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Why Your Local Business Needs Professional Commercial Plumbing Services

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:11:38 GMT

Every day your doors open, your facility's infrastructure works hard behind the scenes. For local businesses, a sudden pipe burst or backed-up drain is more than a minor inconvenience—it disrupts daily operations, compromises safety, and affects customer satisfaction. Reliable commercial plumbing services is a practical investment to protect your bottom line. At 1st American Plumbing, we know exactly how disruptive a plumbing failure can be for a busy facility. Let's explore why specialized commercial care is essential and how partnering with the right local experts keeps your business running smoothly.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Commercial Plumbing Problems

Commercial plumbing systems endure far more stress than standard residential setups. Hundreds of employees, customers, or tenants might use your restrooms, breakrooms, and utility sinks every single day. When business owners ignore minor leaks or slow drains, those small inconveniences can quickly escalate into expensive repairs.

A lingering slow drain might seem harmless, but it often indicates a blockage building deep within your main sewer line. If that line backs up during peak business hours, you face potential health code violations, foul odors, and even the temporary closure of your facility.

Furthermore, undetected leaks slowly destroy drywall, flooring, and valuable inventory, leading to significant property damage. By the time a minor issue becomes visible to your customers, it may have already impacted your reputation and revenue.

Essential Commercial Plumbing Services from 1st American Plumbing

Commercial facilities across Utah County and Salt Lake County require heavy-duty solutions that go beyond basic plunging or minor patching. Commercial plumbing services must address the complex, high-volume demands of modern business infrastructure. 1st American Plumbing uses advanced technology and industry expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of your commercial space.

Advanced Drain Cleaning and Hydro-Jetting

Heavy-duty commercial drains frequently accumulate grease, scale, and industrial debris that traditional snaking simply cannot remove. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to scrub the inside of your pipes clean, clearing hardened blockages and restoring your drainage system to its original capacity. This non-invasive method is highly effective for restaurants, retail centers, and manufacturing facilities that cannot afford recurring backups.

Sewer Camera Inspections and Main Line Care

Diagnosing underground plumbing issues used to require invasive digging that destroyed landscaping and disrupted business traffic. Today, fiber-optic sewer camera inspections allow professional technicians to see exactly what is happening inside your pipes. Whether you are dealing with root intrusion, pipe corrosion, or structural bellies, this technology pinpoints the exact location of the problem, allowing for targeted, cost-effective repairs or trenchless main line replacements.

Commercial Water Heaters and Fixture Upgrades

Your business relies on a steady, safe supply of hot water for sanitation and daily operations. High-capacity commercial water heaters and modern tankless systems provide energy-efficient, reliable performance to meet those demands. Upgrading to commercial-grade fixtures and installing Pressure Reducing Valves ( PRVs ) protects your facility from water pressure spikes, ensuring both safety and long-term efficiency across your entire plumbing network.

How Preventive Commercial Plumbing Services Protect Your Operations

Reacting to emergencies is stressful and expensive. Many successful local businesses adopt a proactive approach to facility management. Preventative maintenance is a highly effective way to avoid unexpected closures and extend the lifespan of your critical infrastructure.

Scheduling routine inspections allows experienced technicians to identify and resolve vulnerabilities before they trigger a system failure. Investing in comprehensive plumbing care ensures your facility remains compliant, sanitary, and fully operational year-round. Consider the practical benefits of a routine maintenance strategy:

Reduces unexpected downtime: Catching a failing valve or aging pipe early means you can schedule repairs during off-hours, keeping your doors open during busy shifts.
Lowers major repair costs: Fixing a minor leak today is vastly cheaper than paying for structural water damage restoration and emergency pipe replacements tomorrow.
Improves health and safety: Regularly cleaned grease traps, clear drains, and optimized water pressure create a safer, more sanitary environment for employees and patrons.
Extends equipment lifespan: Well-maintained commercial water heaters and high-grade fixtures last significantly longer, maximizing the return on your infrastructure investment.

Fast Action: The Value of 24/7 Emergency Availability

Even with the best preventative care, unexpected emergencies still happen. A pipe can freeze and burst over a holiday weekend, or a main sewer line can collapse during a busy lunch rush. When water is actively flooding your commercial property, every minute counts toward minimizing lost revenue and mounting repair costs.

You need a reliable partner who is available exactly when you need them. Access to 24-hour emergency response means you are never left waiting for regular business hours to resolve a crisis. A licensed, bonded, and insured team can dispatch immediately to mitigate the damage, secure the water source, and execute permanent repairs so operations can resume as quickly as possible.

Building a Reliable Long-Term Strategy for Your Infrastructure

Your commercial plumbing system is the hidden engine driving your facility's daily success. Treating it as an afterthought leaves your business vulnerable to disruptions, dissatisfied customers, and costly property damage. By prioritizing professional installations, advanced diagnostics, and proactive maintenance, you establish a resilient foundation for long-term operational stability.

Local businesses throughout Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, and the broader Utah County area need a service partner who understands the high stakes of commercial facility management. 1st American Plumbing is dedicated to keeping your infrastructure in peak condition with expert, reliable commercial plumbing services. Whether you need an emergency hydro-jetting treatment or a comprehensive main line replacement, building a strong relationship with our dedicated team ensures your business is always protected and ready to serve your customers.

Crucial Steps to Take Before Calling for Emergency Plumbing Repair

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:04:39 GMT

Waking up to a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet is incredibly stressful. In those first few moments, it is easy to feel overwhelmed as water spreads across your floors. However, taking a few fast, calculated steps can mean the difference between a simple cleanup and extensive property damage. Knowing exactly what to do before calling 1st American Plumbing for an emergency plumbing repair helps protect your home, keep your family safe, and make the recovery process smoother.

When a pipe ruptures or a drain backs up, time is your most valuable asset. While you cannot fix a major leak on your own, your immediate actions dictate the extent of the water damage. Here is how to take control of the situation before the professionals arrive.

Stop the Flow: Locate and Secure Your Water Valves

The first step in any water-related crisis is stopping the flow at its source. Home water pressure can pump gallons of water into your living space in a matter of minutes, soaking drywall, warping floors, and damaging personal property. Before you pick up the phone, you need to cut off the water supply.

If the leak is isolated to a single fixture—such as a toilet or a bathroom sink—look for the isolation valve. This is typically a small, football-shaped knob on the wall directly behind or beneath the fixture. Turn it clockwise until it stops to halt the water flowing to that specific unit.

If a pipe has burst inside a wall, under the floor, or if you cannot find the source of the leak, turn off the main water shut-off valve. To quickly locate and manage your water supply during a crisis, keep these common locations in mind:

Look in the basement or crawlspace near the front foundation wall where the main water line enters your home.
Check inside the garage or a dedicated utility closet.
Locate the exterior water meter box near the street, which often houses a main shut-off valve requiring a wrench or pliers to turn.
Check near your water heater, as many homes have a secondary shut-off valve installed close to the tank.

Minimize Property Damage Before Help Arrives

Once the water supply is secured and the flooding has stopped, your next priority is damage control. Leaving standing water on your floors while waiting for an emergency plumbing repair invites further destruction. Moisture can seep into subflooring and wick up drywall, creating an environment for mold growth within just 24 to 48 hours.

Use a mop, heavy-duty towels, or a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove as much standing water as possible. The faster you dry the area, the less structural damage your home will suffer. If the weather permits, open windows and set up fans to encourage air circulation.

Protect your belongings from secondary damage by moving furniture, rugs, and electronics away from the affected area. If a heavy piece of furniture is difficult to move, place aluminum foil or plastic wrap under the wooden legs to prevent stains from bleeding into wet carpets. Your goal is strictly mitigation. Do not attempt to patch a burst pipe yourself, as amateur repairs can make the professional restoration much more difficult.

Tips for Emergency Plumbing Repair: Handle Electrical and Heating Hazards Safely

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination . If flooding has reached electrical outlets, extension cords, or exposed wiring, do not step into the water. Instead, go straight to your home’s electrical panel and flip the breakers to cut power to the flooded rooms.

Additionally, if you had to shut off the main water supply to the entire house, protect your water heater. Turn off the power or gas supply to the unit immediately. If a water heater continues to run with an empty tank, it can burn out the heating elements or cause a pressure buildup that strains the relief valve. Securing these systems ensures the plumbing issue does not evolve into an electrical or fire hazard.

Document the Damage for Your Insurance Company

In the rush or emergency plumbing repair, many homeowners forget a critical step in the recovery process: documentation. Homeowners insurance often covers the sudden, accidental discharge of water from events like a burst winter pipe or a failed washing machine hose. However, adjusters need concrete proof to process your claim accurately.

Before you clean up, take clear, well-lit photos and videos of the standing water, damaged fixtures, and affected personal property. Capture wide shots of the room alongside close-up images of the specific pipe or valve that failed.

Don’t throw away broken plumbing parts or ruptured hoses. Even if the plumber intends to replace them, keep the damaged materials in a bucket so the insurance adjuster can inspect them later. A comprehensive visual record makes conversations with your insurance provider far less stressful.

Why 1st American Plumbing Makes a Difference

When facing a severe water crisis, you can’t afford to wait for normal business hours. You need a team that understands the urgency of a burst pipe, a failing sump pump, or a major drain backup. Having a reliable, family-owned partner in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is essential for protecting your property.

1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air provides comprehensive residential and commercial services, offering rapid, 24/7 emergency plumbing repair when you need it most. Our licensed and insured technicians arrive fully equipped to handle high-pressure emergency repairs safely and effectively. We do more than just stop the leak—we perform expert diagnostics to identify the root cause of the failure and ensure the problem is permanently resolved.

Whether you are dealing with a malfunctioning water heater, a frozen pipe, or a backed-up sewer line, you can rely on our team. Once you’ve secured your water lines, call us for emergency plumbing repair to get an expert dispatched to your door immediately.

Fast, Professional Emergency Plumbing Repair

A sudden plumbing disaster is one of the most stressful events a homeowner can face. However, by staying calm, shutting off the water, mitigating the flooding, and documenting the damage, you take control of the situation. Your fast action in those initial minutes sets the stage for a smoother, less costly recovery process.

Once the immediate threat is neutralized, the next step is bringing in local experts to permanently fix the underlying problem. Do not leave your home's infrastructure to chance. When you need reliable emergency plumbing repair, count on the proven expertise of 1st American Plumbing to restore your home’s safety and functionality. By taking the right steps before we arrive, you ensure our team can get straight to work returning your home to normal.

Comprehensive Heat Pump Services You Can Trust

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:44:40 GMT

Finding a reliable way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home throughout the year is essential. For many homeowners, a heat pump is the ideal solution because it handles both heating and cooling needs within a single unit. To ensure these systems operate at peak performance, it is important to invest in professional heat pump services that cover everything from initial setup to long-term maintenance.

How Heat Pump Services Provide Year-Round Comfort

A heat pump operates differently from a traditional furnace or air conditioner. Instead of generating heat through combustion, it moves heat from one place to another. During the summer, it pulls heat from inside your home and pushes it outdoors. In the winter, the process reverses, extracting heat from the outdoor air to warm your living space. Because this process is highly efficient, having a team that understands the mechanical intricacies of these systems is vital for your home comfort.

Expert Installation for Maximum Performance

The longevity of your HVAC system often depends on how it was originally installed. Choosing professional heat pump services ensures that your unit is sized correctly for your specific square footage. An oversized or undersized unit will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to unnecessary wear and tear. A professional installation includes:

Precise load calculations for your home
Proper placement of the indoor and outdoor units
Secure refrigerant line connections
Testing of the airflow and thermostat calibration

By starting with a professional installation, you set the foundation for lower energy bills and fewer repairs over the life of the system.

Reliable Heat Pump Repair Services

Even the highest quality systems may encounter issues over time. If you notice strange noises, inconsistent temperatures, or a sudden spike in your utility bills, it is time to call for expert assistance. Common heat pump services include troubleshooting electrical components, fixing refrigerant leaks, or repairing reversing valves. Addressing these small issues early prevents them from turning into major mechanical failures that could leave your family in the cold or heat.

The Importance of Routine Maintenance

The best way to avoid emergency repairs is through a consistent maintenance schedule. Most experts recommend having your system inspected twice a year, once before the cooling season and once before the heating season. During a routine service visit, a technician will clean the coils, check the blower motor, and verify that all safety controls are functioning. This proactive approach keeps the system running smoothly and can extend its lifespan by several years.

Benefits of Professional Maintenance

Increased energy efficiency and lower monthly costs
Better indoor air quality due to clean filters and coils
Validation of manufacturer warranties
Peace of mind knowing the system is safe to operate

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

One of the primary reasons homeowners seek out heat pump services is the desire to reduce their carbon footprint. Since heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than burning fossil fuels, they are a much greener alternative to oil or gas furnaces. When your system is well maintained by professionals, it operates at its highest possible efficiency, further reducing the amount of energy required to keep your home comfortable.

Turn to 1st American for Heat Pump Services

A heat pump is a significant investment in your home, and protecting that investment requires the right technical support. Whether you are looking to install a brand new system or need a tune-up for an existing unit, professional heat pump services ensure your equipment stays in top condition. By focusing on expert installation, timely repairs, and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a comfortable home environment in every season.

The Benefits of Installing a Ductless Mini Split System

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:39:54 GMT

Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is a priority for every homeowner. While traditional central air conditioning and heating systems have been the standard for decades, many people are looking for more flexible and efficient alternatives. Ductless mini split systems have emerged as a premier solution for modern climate control. These systems offer a unique combination of performance and versatility that traditional HVAC setups often cannot match.

How Ductless Mini Split Systems Work

Unlike central air, which relies on a network of ducts to distribute air, ductless mini split systems deliver conditioned air directly into specific rooms. The system consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air handling units. These units are connected by a small conduit that houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, and suction line. Because they do not require bulky ductwork, they are much easier to integrate into existing homes.

Ductless Mini Split Systems: Enhanced Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a ductless mini split system is the potential for energy savings. Traditional ductwork is notorious for energy loss. According to the Department of Energy, duct losses can account for more than thirty per cent of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space like an attic. By eliminating ducts, you ensure that the air you pay to heat or cool reaches its destination without leaking into the walls or ceiling.

Zoned Temperature Control with Mini Splits

Standard HVAC systems typically operate on an all-or-nothing basis. If you want to cool your bedroom, you end up cooling the kitchen and living room as well. Ductless mini split systems allow for zoning, which means you can control the temperature in each room independently.

This level of customization provides several benefits:

Improved comfort for family members with different temperature preferences
Reduced energy bills by turning off units in unoccupied rooms
Better climate management for additions or converted garages
Consistent temperatures without the hot and cold spots common in central systems

Ductless Mini Split Systems: Easy and Non-Invasive Installation

Installing a traditional central air system in a home that lacks ductwork is a massive undertaking. It often involves cutting into walls and ceilings, which can be expensive and messy. In contrast, installing a ductless mini split is relatively simple. A professional technician only needs to drill a small hole about three inches in diameter to connect the indoor and outdoor components. This makes it an ideal choice for older homes, home additions, or even tiny houses where space is at a premium.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a growing concern for many households. Traditional ducts can become breeding grounds for dust, allergens, and mold over time. Even with regular cleaning, these particles often circulate throughout the entire home every time the system turns on. Ductless mini split systems feature multi-stage filtration that can drastically reduce dust, pollen, and other particulates. Since there are no ducts to collect debris, the air stays cleaner and fresher.

A Quiet and Discrete Solution

Modern ductless units are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. The indoor units operate very quietly, often producing a sound no louder than a whisper. They can be mounted high on a wall, recessed into a ceiling, or even placed near the floor to match your interior design. Because the noisy compressor is located outside, you can enjoy a peaceful environment indoors while still maintaining the perfect temperature.

Conclusion

Investing in a ductless mini split system is an excellent way to modernize your home comfort. Between the energy efficiency gains and the ability to customize temperatures in every room, these systems provide a level of control that traditional systems simply cannot offer. If you are looking for a way to lower your utility bills and breathe cleaner air, a ductless system may be the perfect fit for your home.

Why Humidifier Installation is Key to Home Comfort

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:46:31 GMT

When the temperature starts to drop and the furnace kicks into high gear, most homeowners focus on one thing: staying warm. However, heat is only half of the equation when it comes to a truly cozy home. If you’ve noticed your skin feeling tight, your throat feeling scratchy, or static shocks every time you touch a doorknob, your indoor air is likely too dry. This is where professional humidifier installation becomes a game-changer for your living environment. Maintaining the right balance of moisture isn’t just a luxury; it’s a fundamental part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable household during the colder months.

Many people assume that dry air is just an unavoidable side effect of winter, especially in Utah, but it doesn't have to be. By integrating a whole-home humidifier system into your existing HVAC setup, you can control your environment with precision. Let’s dive into why managing your indoor humidity is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home.

Protecting Your Health and Well-Being

The most immediate benefit of humidifier installation is the impact it has on your physical health. Our bodies are sensitive to the air we breathe, and when that air is stripped of moisture, our natural defenses start to break down.

Utah’s arid winters dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat. These membranes act as a frontline defense against viruses and bacteria. When they’re cracked and irritated, you become more susceptible to colds, the flu, and respiratory infections. If you find yourself waking up with a stuffy feeling or a persistent dry cough every winter morning, the lack of humidity is the likely culprit.

Furthermore, for those who suffer from allergies or asthma, dry air can be a major trigger. It allows dust and allergens to float more freely through the room. Adding moisture to the air helps these particles settle and keeps your airways lubricated, making it much easier to breathe deeply and sleep soundly through the night.

Understanding the Humidifier Installation Process

While the decision to get a whole-home humidifier is easy, understanding the installation process can help homeowners feel more comfortable with the upgrade. Because these systems integrate directly with your central heating and cooling infrastructure (the HVAC system), professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper function and safety.

A typical whole-home humidifier installation generally involves connecting the unit directly to your HVAC system's ductwork, electrical wiring, and water supply, followed by installing a control panel (humidistat) to monitor and regulate the humidity.

Preserving Your Home’s Interior

We often think about how air affects us, but we rarely consider how it affects our property. Wood is a natural material that holds moisture. When the air in your home becomes excessively dry, it begins to suck the moisture out of your furniture, flooring, and even the structural elements of your house.

Have you ever noticed your hardwood floors creaking more in the winter or seen small gaps appearing between the planks? That is the wood shrinking due to low humidity.

You might also notice:

Cracks in wooden musical instruments like pianos or guitars.
Peeling wallpaper or brittle paint.
Gaps in crown molding and door frames.
Brittle fibers in carpets and upholstery.

By prioritizing humidifier installation, you are essentially putting an insurance policy on your home’s interior. Consistent humidity levels keep wood supple and prevent the costly damage that comes from constant shrinking and swelling cycles.

A Lifeline for Your Indoor Plants

If you’ve ever noticed the tips of your favorite pothos or monstera turning brown and crispy during the winter, you’re witnessing the struggle of tropical plants in a desert-like environment. Most of our beloved houseplants originated in humid, rainforest-like climates. When we crank up the furnace, the humidity in our homes can drop to as low as 10%, which is drier than some of the most arid regions on Earth.

This is where humidifier installation becomes a literal lifesaver for your indoor garden. Plants breathe through tiny pores in their leaves called stomata. When the air is too dry, they lose moisture faster than they can absorb it through their roots. By maintaining a consistent humidity level of around 40% to 60%, you create an environment where your plants can actually thrive rather than just survive.

Proper humidity levels provide several benefits for your greenery:

Prevents Leaf Drop: Many sensitive plants, like Fiddle Leaf Figs, will drop leaves entirely if the air becomes too parched.
Encourages New Growth: High humidity signals to the plant that conditions are ideal for pushing out new, lush foliage.
Reduces Pests: Certain pests, like spider mites, absolutely love dry, dusty conditions. Keeping the air moist makes your plants a much less attractive target for these tiny invaders.

Instead of huddling your plants together or trying to remember to mist them every hour—which, let's be honest, is a chore that rarely works—a whole-home system ensures your indoor jungle stays green and vibrant all year long.

The Secret to Energy Efficiency with Humidifier Installation

It sounds a bit like magic, but increasing your humidity can actually save you money on your monthly energy bills. There is a scientific reason why 70 degrees feels much warmer in a humid climate than it does in a desert.

Moist air holds heat better than dry air. When there is adequate humidity in your home, the air feels warmer against your skin because it slows down the evaporation of moisture from your body. This allows you to turn your thermostat down a few degrees without feeling a chill. Since your furnace doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a perceived level of comfort, you reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system and see a noticeable dip in your heating costs.

Ending the Static Electricity Battle

We’ve all been there—walking across the carpet in socks and reaching for a light switch only to get zapped by a painful spark. While it’s mostly an annoyance, static can actually be dangerous for your home electronics. A significant static discharge can fry sensitive circuit boards in computers, televisions, and gaming consoles.

Humidifier installation solves this problem by making the air more conductive, which prevents the buildup of static charges. You’ll notice fewer flyaway hairs, no more clothes sticking together, and a much safer environment for your expensive gadgets.

Why Whole-Home Systems Trump Portable Units

You might be wondering if you can just buy a few small portable humidifiers from a big-box store and call it a day. While those units have their place, they rarely offer the comprehensive solution that a professionally installed whole-home system provides.

Here is why most homeowners eventually make the switch to a permanent installation:

Low Maintenance: Portable units require daily refilling and frequent cleaning to prevent mold growth. A whole-home system is plumbed directly into your water line and drains automatically.
Consistent Coverage: Portable units only affect the immediate area around them. A central system ensures every room in the house stays at the ideal humidity level.
Quiet Operation: Because the unit is installed in your utility closet alongside your furnace, you won’t have the constant hum of a fan in your bedroom.
Aesthetic Appeal: No bulky plastic tanks are sitting on your tables or tripping you up in the hallway.

Investing in Your Long-Term Comfort

At the end of the day, your home should be a sanctuary. It’s the place where you relax after a long day and where your family grows. If you are constantly battling dry skin, static, and a scratchy throat, you aren't getting the most out of your living space.

Professional humidifier installation is a straightforward process that yields immediate results. It bridges the gap between simply heating a home and actually creating a comfortable climate.

Is Underfloor Radiant Heating Right for Your Utah Home?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:24:47 GMT

If you’re tired of wearing three layers of wool socks just to walk into your kitchen, you’ve likely wondered: Is underfloor radiant heating right for your Utah home? As local plumbers who have spent years crawling through basements and crawlspaces during Utah winters, we’ve seen firsthand how this technology can transform a home from habitable to haven.

When the snow starts piling up on the Wasatch Front and the temperatures drop into the teens, most Utahns retreat indoors and crank up the furnace. But there’s a specific kind of chill that a standard, forced-air system just can't seem to beat—that biting cold that seeps through the soles of your feet when you step onto a tile floor in the morning.

How Underfloor Radiant Heating Actually Works

Unlike a traditional furnace that blows hot air through vents (which often ends up trapped at the ceiling while your feet stay cold), underfloor radiant heating warms the room from the ground up. Think of it like the sun warming a dark asphalt driveway on a spring day. The heat radiates upward, warming the objects and people in the room directly.

In Utah, we typically install hydronic systems. This involves laying down specialized PEX piping underneath your flooring. We then circulate heated water through those pipes. Because water is a much more efficient conductor of heat than air, the system maintains a consistent, gentle warmth that feels incredibly natural.

Why Utah Homes are Perfect Candidates for Underfloor Radiant Heating

Our climate in Utah presents some unique challenges that make underfloor radiant heating particularly attractive.

The High Desert Dryness: Forced-air systems pull moisture out of the air. If you already struggle with dry skin, nosebleeds, or static shocks during a Salt Lake winter, a radiant system can help. Since it doesn’t rely on blowing air, it doesn't dry out your home’s atmosphere nearly as much.
Basement Living: So many Utah homes have finished basements that stay perpetually five degrees colder than the rest of the house. Installing radiant heat in a basement slab is the single best way to make that lower level feel like a true part of the living space rather than a cold storage unit.
High Ceilings: If you have a room with vaulted ceilings—a staple of many homes in Draper or Park City—you know that all your expensive heat ends up twenty feet above your head. Radiant heating keeps the warmth in the bottom six feet of the room where you actually live.

Real Talk: Pros and Cons of Underfloor Radiant Heating

While this system is very popular, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all magic wand. You have to weigh the benefits against the reality of the installation.

The Benefits:

Silence: No banging ducts or whistling vents. It’s completely silent.
Efficiency: You can often set your thermostat several degrees lower than a forced-air system because the heat is concentrated where you are, not at the ceiling.
Air Quality: Because there is no air movement, there’s no dust, pet dander, or pollen being kicked up and circulated through the house. This is a game-changer for allergy sufferers.

The Challenges:

Installation Cost: The upfront cost of underfloor radiant heating is higher than that of installing a standard furnace. It is a significant investment in your home’s infrastructure.
Thermal Lag: These systems take a while to juice up. You can't just turn it on and expect the room to be warm in ten minutes. It’s designed for consistent, steady temperatures.

Which Flooring Works Best?

If you are considering underfloor radiant heating, your choice of flooring matters. Ceramic tile and natural stone are the undisputed champions here. They conduct heat beautifully and hold onto it for a long time.

Hardwood is also an option, though you have to be careful about the type of wood and the moisture content to prevent warping. Many modern engineered woods work perfectly with radiant systems. Carpet is the trickiest because it acts as an insulator, essentially blocking the heat from entering the room, but with the right thin padding, it can still be done.

Is Underfloor Radiant Heating Worth the Investment?

When customers ask if they should pull the trigger on underfloor radiant heating, we suggest considering how long you plan to live in your home.

If this is your forever home, or the place where you plan to raise your family for the next decade, the answer is almost always yes. The comfort level is simply unmatched.

However, if you’re planning to flip the house or move in a couple of years, you might not see the full return on your investment in the sale price alone. This is an upgrade for the person living in the home, a luxury that pays dividends in cozy mornings and lower monthly utility bills over time.

Final Thoughts from 1st American Plumbing

We’ve been through enough Utah winters to know that your home should be your sanctuary from the cold, not a place where you have to huddle under blankets. Underfloor radiant heating offers a level of comfort that a metal vent simply can't provide.

If you’re remodeling your bathroom, finishing your basement, or building from scratch in the Salt Lake Valley, give us a call. We can walk through your floor plan, look at your current boiler or water heater setup, and give you a straight-shooting assessment of what it would take to get your floors warm.

Let's make this the last winter you have to dread stepping onto the bathroom floor. Comfort is just a few pipes away.

The Essential Guide to Professional Ductwork Repair

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:41:10 GMT

Your duct system is responsible for distributing conditioned air throughout your home. When it is compromised, your entire HVAC system suffers. At 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air, we know that professional ductwork repair is often the missing link in achieving total home comfort and peak energy efficiency.

When most homeowners think about their indoor comfort, they focus almost entirely on the HVAC unit itself—the furnace humming in the basement or the air conditioner condensing unit humming outside. However, there is a hidden network of veins and arteries running through your walls, ceilings, and crawlspaces that is just as vital: your ductwork. In this blog post, we’ll explore why duct health matters, how to spot trouble, and why professional intervention is the only way to ensure long-term results.

Why Your Ductwork Integrity Matters

Your ductwork is a closed-loop system designed to maintain specific air pressure. Even small gaps, tears, or loose connections can lead to significant problems that ripple through your entire household budget. According to the Department of Energy , the typical home loses about 20% to 30% of the air moving through the duct system due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected joints.

When you invest in professional ductwork repair, you aren't just fixing a pipe; you are restoring the integrity of your home’s respiratory system.

Benefits of Ductwork Repair

Lower Utility Bills: Your HVAC system won't have to work overtime to compensate for lost air.
Consistent Temperatures: Eliminates the hot spots or cold spots in different rooms.
Extended Equipment Life: Reducing the workload on your furnace and AC prevents premature mechanical failure.
Better Air Quality: Sealing leaks prevents the system from pulling in dust and pollutants from the dirty areas of your home.

Warning Signs: When to Call for Ductwork Repair

Ductwork is largely invisible, which makes it easy to ignore until a major problem arises. However, your home will usually provide several warning signs that the system is failing. Identifying these early can save you thousands in avoided energy waste.

1. Skyrocketing Energy Costs

If you notice your gas or electric bills creeping up despite similar usage habits and mild weather, your ducts may be the culprit. When air leaks into your attic or crawlspace, you are essentially paying to heat or cool the outdoors.

2. The Perpetual Dust Problem

Do you find yourself dusting your furniture every other day only for a new layer to appear? Leaky return ducts can pull in fine particles from unfinished areas—like attic insulation, basement dust, or mold spores—and blast them through your vents. If your home feels perpetually dusty, the seal on your ducts has likely been compromised.

3. Uneven Airflow and Temperature

If your master bedroom is freezing while the kitchen is sweltering, it’s rarely a problem with the AC unit itself. It usually indicates a disconnected duct, a major leak, or a pinched flexible duct that is restricting airflow to a specific zone. Professional ductwork repair can balance these pressures.

4. Strange Noises During Cycles

While some popping noises are normal as metal ducts expand and contract with heat, loud whistling, rattling, or vibration sounds are red flags. Whistling often indicates air escaping through a small pressure-sensitive hole, while rattling suggests loose connections or failing hangers.

Ductwork Repair: The Professional Difference

Many homeowners attempt to fix duct issues with standard duct tape. Ironically, standard duct tape is one of the worst materials for ductwork repair because the adhesive dries out, becomes brittle, and fails under temperature fluctuations.

Our professional approach at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air involves a much more rigorous and lasting process:

Comprehensive Pressure Testing and Inspection

We don't just guess where the leaks are. We use specialized tools to inspect the hard-to-reach areas of your home. We look for kinks in flex ducting, rusted sections of metal pipe, and signs of rodent damage (which is a common cause of duct destruction)

Sealing with Mastic and Foil-Backed Tape

Professionals use UL-certified foil tape and mastic sealant—a thick, gooey substance that, once cured, creates a permanent, airtight bond. This ensures that the repair lasts for the life of the ductwork, not just a single season.

Structural Corrections and Rerouting

In some cases, the ductwork was poorly designed or installed during the home's original construction. Repairing the system may involve re-strapping sagging ducts to improve airflow velocity or replacing sections of crushed flex duct that have been damaged by foot traffic or storage items in the attic.

Protecting Your Health: Air Quality and Duct Integrity

We often focus on the comfort aspect of ductwork repair, but the health implications are equally vital. When ducts leak, they create a venturi effect, effectively sucking in air from unconditioned spaces. This air can contain:

Mold Spores: From damp crawlspaces or humid attics.
Pest Dander: From mice or insects living in the walls.
Fiberglass Particles: Shards of insulation that irritate the lungs.
Chemical Vapors: Fumes from cleaning supplies or paints stored in the garage.

By sealing and repairing your ducts, you create a physical barrier between your living space and the raw air in your home’s structure. This leads to a cleaner, safer breathing environment for your family and reduces the burden on your HVAC filters.

Trust 1st American Plumbing for Ductwork Repair

Ductwork repair is a precision job that requires specialized knowledge of CFM (cubic feet per minute) requirements and static pressure. At 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air, we take a holistic view of your home’s HVAC system. We don’t just want your heater to turn on; we want it to deliver clean, affordable, and perfectly tempered air to every corner of your home.

If you’ve noticed odd smells, high bills, or inconsistent airflow, don’t wait for your HVAC system to burn out from the extra strain. Contact us today to schedule a professional ductwork inspection. Let us help you breathe easier and save money with expert ductwork repair services tailored to your home’s unique needs.

Tankless Water Heaters: The Future of Efficient Water Heating for Your Home

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:34:34 GMT

Embracing On-Demand Hot Water With Tankless Water Heaters

For decades, the standard hot water solution for American homes has been the bulky storage tank water heater. While dependable, these traditional units operate on a fundamentally inefficient principle: they continuously heat a large volume of water, day and night, even when you’re sleeping or away from home. This constant energy expenditure, known as standby heat loss, is essentially money wasted.

At 1st American Plumbing , we believe in providing our customers with solutions that not only solve immediate problems but also offer long-term value, comfort, and efficiency. That’s why we’re championing the switch to tankless water heaters. These revolutionary systems are transforming the way homeowners approach hot water, offering a smarter, greener, and significantly more cost-effective method of meeting your family’s needs. If you’re considering an upgrade, understanding the benefits of a tankless water heater is the first step toward a more efficient home.

How Tankless Water Heaters Deliver Instant Efficiency

A tankless water heater, often called an on-demand system, operates in a completely different manner from its conventional counterpart. Instead of storing and heating a reservoir of water, the tankless unit only fires up when you open a hot water tap, turn on the shower, or start the washing machine.

Here’s the simple, brilliant mechanism:

Demand Trigger: Cold water enters the unit when a hot water fixture is opened.
Heat Exchange Activation: A powerful gas burner or electric element instantly ignites and heats the water as it flows through a heat exchanger.
Instant Delivery: The perfectly heated water is then delivered immediately to your faucet.
No Standby Loss: When the tap is closed, the unit shuts off instantly. No energy is wasted keeping water hot in a tank.

This on-demand operation is the cornerstone of why tankless water heaters are considered the future of home water heating. They consume energy only when necessary, leading to substantial utility savings over time.

The Core Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters: Unmatched Energy Efficiency and Savings

The primary reason most homeowners invest in a tankless water heater is the dramatic improvement in energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy , tankless units can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank heaters for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily.

For an average family, this translates into a significant reduction in monthly energy bills. The initial investment in installing a new tankless water heater system is quickly offset by these long-term savings. When you choose 1st American Plumbing for your installation, you’re not just buying a product; you’re making a wise financial decision that will increase your home’s value and lower your cost of living. Choosing an energy-efficient tankless unit is an upgrade your wallet will thank you for.

Never Run Out of Hot Water Again

Beyond the financial advantages, the comfort factor of a tankless system is perhaps the most appealing benefit. Have you ever experienced the dreaded cold shower when the tank runs empty? With a conventional unit, once the stored hot water is depleted, you have to wait for the tank to refill and reheat.

A tankless water heater eliminates this problem. Because it heats water continuously on-demand, you receive a virtually unlimited supply of hot water. This means:

You can run the washing machine and the dishwasher simultaneously without worry.
The last person to shower enjoys the same hot water temperature as the first.
You no longer have to budget your hot water use or rush your morning routine.

This endless supply provides a level of luxury and convenience that a traditional tank simply cannot match.

Tankless Water Heaters: Space, Safety, and Service Life

The advantages of tankless water heaters extend beyond efficiency and comfort. They also offer practical benefits that contribute to a safer, less cluttered, and more reliable home:

Significant Space Savings: Tankless units are compact, often mounted on a wall. This frees up valuable floor space in a closet, garage, or utility room—space that was once occupied by a bulky storage tank.
Reduced Risk of Leaks: Without a large tank full of pressurized water, the risk of a catastrophic basement flood from a burst tank is virtually eliminated.
Impressive Longevity: While a traditional tank water heater typically lasts 10 to 12 years, a quality tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. This extended lifespan makes it a superior long-term investment.
Clean, Fresh Water: Since water is heated instantaneously as it passes through the unit, it avoids sitting and stagnating in a tank, ensuring you always get clean, fresh hot water.

Ready to Make the Switch? Trust 1st American Plumbing

Switching to a tankless system is a significant home improvement project. It requires professional expertise to ensure the unit is correctly sized for your home’s needs, the proper gas or electrical lines are installed, and ventilation is up to code. An improperly installed tankless water heater will not deliver the expected performance or savings.

As your trusted local plumbing experts, 1st American Plumbing specializes in the professional consultation, sizing, and installation of all major brands of tankless water heaters. We pride ourselves on meticulous workmanship, ensuring your new unit operates at peak efficiency from day one.

If you’re ready to stop wasting energy, enjoy endless hot water, and invest in a system designed for the future, contact us today. Let us assess your home’s unique hot water demands and provide a clear, competitive quote to bring the power of tankless technology to your family.

Furnace Installation in Salt Lake & Utah Counties: Getting Ready for Winter

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:37:59 GMT

The Essential Step to Winter Comfort: A Reliable Furnace

The beauty of a Utah winter—the pristine snow, the world-class slopes, the crisp, clear air—comes with a non-negotiable requirement: a warm, reliable home. In Salt Lake County and Utah County, where temperatures regularly plummet below freezing, your furnace isn't just an appliance; it's the guardian of your family's comfort and safety.

Yet, many homeowners wait until the first cold snap hits to realize their current heating system is failing, inefficient, or simply too old to handle another season. At 1st American Plumbing, we understand that proactive preparation is key. Deciding for a new furnace installation now—before the cold takes hold—is the smartest investment you can make in your home this year.

We specialize in providing expert, seamless heating solutions designed specifically for the rigorous demands of the Wasatch Front climate. If you're ready to secure powerful, efficient heat for the coming season, here is what you need to know about professional furnace installation.

Is It Time for a New Furnace Installation?

An aging or failing furnace can be a major source of stress, high utility bills, and potential safety hazards. While some problems can be fixed with a repair, there comes a point when replacement is the most cost-effective long-term solution.

Look out for these common signs that it's time to consider a new furnace installation:

Age: If your furnace is 15 years old or more, it is likely nearing the end of its typical lifespan and operating with low efficiency.
Frequent Breakdowns: If you are paying for constant repairs, those costs will quickly add up to the price of a new, reliable unit.
Inconsistent Heating: Cold spots in certain rooms or a system that struggles to maintain the thermostat setting indicate a serious performance problem.
Rising Energy Bills: A sudden or steady spike in your winter heating costs is a clear sign that your old furnace is wasting energy due to inefficiency.
Strange Noises: Loud banging, squealing, or rattling sounds can signal failing components, which often necessitate a complete replacement.

Ignoring these warnings means risking a total system failure during the coldest months, often resulting in an emergency, rushed, and more expensive installation.

Why Professional Furnace Installation is Non-Negotiable

A new high-efficiency furnace is only as good as its installation. This is a complex job that goes far beyond simply connecting a gas line and plugging in a thermostat. In Salt Lake & Utah Counties, professional expertise is essential for:

1. Proper System Sizing and Selection

The most efficient furnace in the world will fail if it's the wrong size for your home. An undersized unit will run constantly and still fail to heat the home adequately. An oversized unit will cycle too often (known as short-cycling), wearing out components prematurely and providing inconsistent heating. Our experts perform meticulous BTU calculations to ensure your new furnace installation is perfectly matched to your home's square footage, insulation, and the local climate.

2. Adherence to Local Codes and Safety Standards

Utah has specific regulations for gas lines , venting, and electrical connections. A professional installation team, like 1st American Plumbing, ensures every aspect of the job meets strict local building codes. This is crucial not only for passing inspections but, more importantly, for the safety of your family. Faulty installations can lead to dangerous situations, including carbon monoxide leaks.

3. Maximum Efficiency and Warranty Protection

A precise installation guarantees the system operates at its advertised efficiency rating (AFUE). Furthermore, improper installation often voids the manufacturer's warranty. By trusting our certified technicians, you ensure your investment is protected for years to come.

The Long-Term Benefits of a New Heating System

Investing in a high-efficiency furnace installation is an investment in your future comfort and financial well-being. Modern furnaces offer numerous advantages over older models:

Significant Energy Savings: Today’s systems often boast AFUE ratings of 90% or higher, meaning they convert over 90 cents of every energy dollar into heat. This can drastically reduce your monthly utility bills compared to older 60-80% efficient models.
Superior Comfort and Air Quality: New furnaces often feature variable-speed motors and multi-stage heating, providing more consistent temperatures and fewer uncomfortable drafts throughout your home. They are also quieter and work seamlessly with modern filtration systems.
Environmental Responsibility: A more efficient furnace means a smaller carbon footprint, aligning your home maintenance choices with a commitment to sustainability.
Reliability and Longevity: A brand-new unit comes with the peace of mind of manufacturer warranties and a proven track record of dependability, guaranteeing you’ll stay warm all winter long.

Choose Local Expertise for Your Furnace Installation

When it comes to something as vital as your heating system in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, you need a local partner you can trust. At 1st American Plumbing, we pride ourselves on delivering expert furnace installation with unmatched customer service. We understand the specific needs of homes in this region, from the high desert of Utah County to the metro areas of Salt Lake County.

Don’t wait for the inevitable winter emergency. Get ahead of the cold and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a high-efficiency, professionally installed furnace. Contact us today for a consultation and a clear quote to prepare your home for a cozy, cost-effective winter.

Sewer Line Repair in Northern Utah: What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:56:49 GMT

The main sewer line is one of the most critical, yet most overlooked, components of your home’s plumbing system. Unlike a simple clogged toilet, needing sewer line repair is a full-blown plumbing emergency. It’s messy, hazardous, and often happens without much warning. When disaster strikes, knowing the signs and, more importantly, knowing the right steps to take immediately can save you thousands of dollars in property damage and remediation costs.

As your trusted local experts in Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber counties, 1st American Plumbing is here to guide you through this stressful time. We specialize in diagnosing and executing fast, reliable sewer line repair and replacement services.

The Telltale Signs of a Sewer Line Emergency

A major issue with your sewer line will rarely present as a small, isolated problem. Instead, it will often manifest as a system-wide failure. Recognizing these key indicators is the first step toward getting professional sewer line repair before the damage becomes catastrophic.

1. Multiple Drain Backups or Clogs

The most unmistakable sign of a main line blockage is when more than one plumbing fixture—such as a toilet, bathtub, or sink—backs up simultaneously. Since all these fixtures eventually feed into the same main sewer pipe, a problem at the main line will affect every drain in the house. If plunging a single drain doesn’t help, and others start to slow or gurgle, you have a major obstruction that requires immediate professional attention.

2. Sewage Odor Indoors and Outdoors

A sewer system is designed to be airtight (with venting on the roof) to prevent foul odors from escaping. A persistent, strong smell of raw sewage in your basement, yard, or even rising from your drains is a clear indicator that the line is cracked, broken, or severely blocked. This is not just an unpleasant nuisance; it is a health and sanitation hazard.

3. Water Backing Up Out of the Cleanout

Every home has a main sewer cleanout, typically a capped pipe located in the yard or near the foundation. If you open this cap and see sewage or water flowing out, or if you notice bubbling or pooling water around it, it confirms that the blockage is downstream, beyond the cleanout. This is a definitive sign that a professional sewer line repair is urgently needed.

4. Patches of Unusually Lush, Green Grass

Just as with a water line leak, a broken sewer line can cause significant, localized changes to your lawn. Sewage acts as a rich fertilizer, causing sections of grass directly above the broken pipe to suddenly become much lusher, greener, and denser than the surrounding area. Furthermore, you may notice sunken areas or indentations in the lawn where escaping sewage has washed away the underlying soil.

Northern Utah Hazards: Why Sewer Lines Fail Here

In Northern Utah, specific environmental factors contribute to the deterioration and failure of sewer lines:

Aggressive Tree Roots: Deciduous trees and mature landscaping in areas like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden are notorious for sending roots deep into the ground. These tree roots are constantly seeking moisture and will infiltrate even the smallest crack in an aging pipe, expanding until they crush the pipe or create a severe blockage.
Shifting Soil and Temperature Swings: The freeze-thaw cycles and clay-rich soils common in our region can cause the ground to shift, stressing the pipes and leading to cracks, dislodgements, or joint separation.
Aging Infrastructure: Many homes in Northern Utah have decades-old sewer systems made of materials like cast iron or clay, which are highly susceptible to corrosion, collapse, and root intrusion.

Need Sewer Line Repair? Your Immediate Action Plan

If you suspect a main sewer line failure, your immediate response can minimize damage and costs.

Step 1: Stop All Water Use

Do not flush toilets, run dishwashers, take showers, or do laundry. Every drop of water you send down a drain will contribute to the backup. If the backup is in your basement, the overflow could cause extensive, costly damage.

Step 2: Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

To ensure no water accidentally enters the system, locate and turn off your main water supply valve, typically found near the water meter or where the main line enters the house. This stops the flow of fresh water, which could otherwise feed the sewage backup.

Step 3: Call 1st American Plumbing Immediately

A compromised sewer line is not a DIY job. It requires specialized equipment and expertise. Our licensed technicians use high-tech equipment like sewer camera inspections to accurately locate the exact nature and position of the damage, whether it’s a root ball, a sag, or a complete break.

Professional Sewer Line Repair: Solutions You Can Trust

At 1st American Plumbing, we offer comprehensive sewer line repair and replacement solutions designed to be minimally invasive and maximally effective:

Video Inspection & Diagnosis: We insert a high-resolution camera into the line to give us a clear view of the damage, eliminating guesswork.
Hydro Jetting: For blockages caused by grease, scale, or soft root intrusion, high-pressure water blasting can clear the line quickly and thoroughly.
Trenchless Repair (Pipe Lining): This modern technique allows us to repair the pipe from the inside by creating a new, durable epoxy liner, often requiring only one or two access points. It saves your landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks from extensive excavation.
Traditional Excavation: For severely collapsed or deteriorated pipes, traditional digging remains the most reliable solution for a full, permanent replacement.

Don’t wait until the sewage is overflowing. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, trust the certified professionals at 1st American Plumbing to handle your emergency swiftly and effectively. We restore your peace of mind and the integrity of your home’s essential plumbing system.

To learn more about our advanced solutions and to schedule your inspection, please visit our dedicated service page: Sewer Line Repair & Replacement Services .

Water Line Repair in Salt Lake & Utah Counties: Signs You Need a Professional

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:47:18 GMT

A hidden network of pipes keeps your Salt Lake County or Utah County home running smoothly. Chief among them is the main water line, the critical artery that delivers fresh water from the municipal source straight into your house. While often out of sight, when this essential pipe suffers damage—whether from age, freezing temperatures, tree roots, or shifting soil—the consequences are immediate, messy, and costly. Ignoring the early signs of damage can lead to flooding, structural issues, and contaminated water. When you need water line repair, it’s important to call on the pros.

As your trusted local experts, 1st American Plumbing is here to ensure your water system functions at its best. Recognizing the red flags early is the key to preventing a minor leak from becoming a major disaster.

The Hidden Threat: Understanding Your Main Water Line

Your main water line is under constant pressure, and in areas like Salt Lake City, Provo, and surrounding communities, it’s subjected to specific environmental stresses. Utah’s cold winters can cause pipes to freeze and burst, while our arid summers can lead to soil contraction that strains underground lines. Furthermore, mature trees around older homes often have roots seeking out the nearest water source—which is often a tiny crack in your pipe.

Because the main line is buried, diagnosing an issue isn’t as simple as checking under the sink. You need to recognize the subtle yet critical signs that indicate a need for professional water line repair before structural damage occurs.

1. A Sudden Drop in Water Pressure

Perhaps the most common sign of a serious water line problem is a sudden, noticeable reduction in water pressure throughout your home. If your shower has gone from a forceful spray to a disappointing trickle, and flushing a toilet causes the pressure elsewhere to nearly stop, you likely have a significant leak. A damaged pipe allows water to escape underground before it reaches your fixtures, resulting in diminished force at the tap.

2. Unexplained Wet Spots in Your Yard or Street

If you notice patches of lush, unusually green grass, soggy soil, or standing puddles in your yard—even when the weather has been dry—it’s a major indicator of a leaking main water line.

Look for: Areas that are always damp, even on sunny days.
Be aware of: Sunken pavement or ground, which suggests significant water erosion beneath the surface.

The water escaping from the pipe naturally rises to the surface, indicating exactly where the break is located.

3. A Dramatic Spike in Your Water Bill

Are you using the same amount of water, but your bill has doubled or tripled? This is a strong, silent signal of an issue that demands immediate water line repair. Since the water is leaking underground, you won’t see or hear it, but your water meter certainly registers the flow. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, directly translating to wasted money. Checking your meter for movement when all water in the house is off is a simple test to confirm a hidden leak.

4. Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water

When a main water line cracks, it doesn’t just let water out; it can also let contaminants, soil, dirt, and debris in. If you turn on your faucet and the water looks rusty, murky, or sandy, or if it has an earthy, unpleasant smell, your line has likely been compromised. This is a health concern, as contaminants are entering your drinking water supply. You must seek emergency water line repair services immediately to ensure the safety of your family.

Why Choose 1st American Plumbing for Your Water Line Repair in SLC and Utah County?

When you’re facing a potential main water line break, you need more than just a quick fix—you need reliable, long-lasting solutions from local experts who understand the unique challenges of Salt Lake and Utah County infrastructure.

At 1st American Plumbing, we provide:

Rapid Response: We know a main line break is an emergency. We prioritize fast, efficient service to limit damage to your property.
Local Expertise: Our licensed and insured plumbers are familiar with the common issues caused by local soil and climate, ensuring a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: We use advanced diagnostic tools to locate the exact spot of the damage, minimizing the digging required and saving your landscaping.

Dealing with a main water line issue is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team handles everything from diagnosis to professional trenchless or traditional water line repair with transparency and care.

Don’t ignore the signs of a failing system. Protect your property, conserve water, and restore your home’s water pressure today. Learn more about our comprehensive services and how we can safeguard your home by visiting our dedicated water line repair page: 1st American Plumbing Water Line Repair .

If you suspect you have a broken main water line, contact 1st American Plumbing now. We are ready to provide the professional service you need to keep the water flowing cleanly and efficiently in your Salt Lake or Utah County home.

5 Critical Signs You Need Professional Water Line Repair

Don’t wait until you have a geyser in your front yard. If you notice any of these signs, contact 1st American Plumbing immediately for an inspection and expert water line repair service.

5. Unusual Sounds: Hissing, Gurgling, or Bubbling

Take a moment to listen to the pipes in your home when all appliances (like the dishwasher or washing machine) are off. Do you hear a faint hissing, gurgling, or bubbling sound coming from the walls, floor, or near the main water meter? This noise is the sound of pressurized water escaping the damaged pipe and pushing through the surrounding soil.

Heater Installation: A Guide to Choosing the Right System for Your Northern Utah Home

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:56:18 GMT

The chill of a Northern Utah winter is a force to be reckoned with. From Logan to Provo, homeowners know that a reliable, efficient heating system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. When your current unit starts to falter, or when you’re building a new home, making the right choice for your next system is paramount. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the factors to consider when planning your new heater installation, ensuring your Northern Utah home remains warm and comfortable for years to come.

The Critical Importance of Proper Heater Installation in Northern Utah

Northern Utah’s unique climate presents specific challenges for home heating. We experience everything from heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures to high-altitude cold. This means that a one-size-fits-all approach to heating simply won’t work. The performance and longevity of your unit depend almost entirely on the quality of its heater installation.

A professional installation ensures that your new system is:

Sized Correctly : An oversized unit cycles too frequently, wasting energy and causing uneven heating. An undersized unit runs constantly and struggles to keep up on the coldest days. Proper Manual J load calculation is essential for accurate sizing.
Vented Safely : Especially for gas furnaces, correct venting prevents dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
Optimized for Efficiency : Even the most efficient furnace won’t deliver its rated Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) if it’s installed poorly or if ductwork is leaky.

Skimping on the upfront cost of expert heater installation almost always leads to higher energy bills, frequent repairs, and premature system failure down the line.

1. High-Efficiency Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces remain the most common heating choice in the region due to the relatively low cost of natural gas. For a new heater installation , look for a unit with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher. High-efficiency models capture more heat before it escapes through the vent, significantly cutting down on utility costs during the peak winter months.

2. Heat Pumps

Modern heat pumps are increasingly popular in Utah. While they heat your home by moving heat from the outside air inward, models rated for cold climates (often called “cold-climate” or “mini-split” systems) are designed to perform efficiently even when temperatures dip below freezing. They also offer the added benefit of providing cooling during the summer, making them a dual-purpose solution.

3. Boilers and Hydronic Systems

For homes with existing radiator or radiant floor heating, a new boiler heater installation may be the ideal choice. These systems heat water, which is then circulated through pipes. They are known for providing incredibly consistent, comfortable heat that doesn’t rely on forced air, which can be beneficial for those with allergies.

When deciding on your new system, consider these factors:

Energy Source: Do you prefer natural gas, propane, or electricity?
System Type: Do you want forced air (furnace/heat pump) or radiant heat (boiler)?
Existing Ductwork: If your ductwork is old or damaged, a ductless mini-split heat pump may be a better alternative to a traditional furnace heater installation.
Long-Term Costs: High-efficiency units have a higher initial cost but save thousands on utility bills over their lifespan.

The Professional Heater Installation Process

A professional heater installation by a reputable HVAC company like 1st American should follow a standardized, detailed procedure to ensure maximum performance and safety.

Step 2: Safe Removal of the Old Unit

The old furnace or boiler is carefully disconnected, removed, and responsibly disposed of. This process must be done safely, especially when dealing with gas lines and electrical components.

Choosing the Right System for Installation

When it comes time for a new heating system, homeowners in Northern Utah have several excellent options. The best choice depends on your home’s existing infrastructure, budget, and energy source preferences.

Step 1: Assessment and Sizing

Before any old unit is removed, a technician should conduct a thorough assessment. This includes the Manual J load calculation, inspecting the existing ductwork for leaks or needed repairs, and confirming the optimal location for the new unit and thermostat. This critical step prevents the costly mistakes of improper sizing.

Step 3: Installation and Connection

The new system is set in place. For a gas furnace heater installation, this involves connecting the gas line, running new exhaust and intake vents, connecting the electrical wiring, and attaching the ductwork plenum. Every connection is sealed and tested to meet local building codes and manufacturer specifications.

Step 4: System Calibration and Testing

Once the unit is fully installed, it must be calibrated. This includes adjusting the gas pressure (for furnaces), setting the fan speed, checking the temperature rise, and verifying the thermostat is communicating correctly. A proper final run-through ensures the system runs at its peak efficiency right from day one.

The Final Step: Ensuring Your Comfort

Investing in a new heating system is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. By prioritizing an expert heater installation from the start, you are investing in reliability, efficiency, and comfort. Don’t wait until the next big snowstorm to realize your old system can’t keep up. Partner with 1st American to secure your family’s warmth this winter.

Boiler Services in Northern Utah: Why Regular Maintenance is Key

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:12:39 GMT

For many Utah homeowners, especially those with historic or custom properties, a boiler is the silent heart of the heating system. Providing consistent, even warmth through radiant heat or radiators, boilers offer a unique comfort that forced-air systems can’t match. However, to keep this essential piece of equipment running efficiently and reliably through the harsh Utah winters, proactive and professional boiler services are absolutely critical.

The Climate Challenge for Your Boiler

The extreme temperature swings and high-altitude cold of the Wasatch Front—from Ogden to Salt Lake City—place significant stress on any heating system. Boilers, while incredibly durable, are not immune to these environmental factors.

Regularly scheduled boiler services from 1st American Plumbing address common issues exacerbated by our climate:

Mineral Buildup (Scaling): Northern Utah’s water often contains high mineral content. Over time, these minerals can build up inside the heat exchanger, creating scale. This acts as an insulator, forcing your boiler to work harder and longer, dramatically reducing efficiency and leading to overheating or component failure.
Corrosion: The combination of water, metal, and oxygen in the system can lead to rust and corrosion, especially around pipes and connections. Catching and treating small leaks or corrosion spots is a primary function of routine boiler services.
Cold Stress: When the boiler is firing constantly to combat sub-zero temperatures, components like burners, igniters, and pumps are under continuous strain. Maintenance ensures these parts are clean, calibrated, and ready for peak performance.

1. Combustion Analysis and Calibration

The most important step for gas and oil boilers is ensuring safe and efficient combustion. Technicians use specialized tools to analyze the flue gases and adjust the air-to-fuel ratio.

Safety Check: This ensures the boiler is not producing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Efficiency Tuning: Proper calibration guarantees your boiler is converting fuel into heat as efficiently as possible, saving you money on monthly utility bills.

2. Component Inspection and Cleaning

Every moving and electrical part of the boiler needs attention:

Heat Exchanger: Cleaned of soot and scale for optimal heat transfer.
Burner and Igniter: Inspected for wear and dirt; a dirty burner can lead to delayed ignition and hazardous conditions.
Pumps and Motors: Lubricated and checked for proper operation to ensure hot water circulates effectively throughout your home.
Relief Valve and Expansion Tank: Tested to confirm they are functioning correctly to manage system pressure, preventing catastrophic failure.

3. System Pressure and Water Check

The water level and pressure within a hydronic system are vital. Boiler services include checking the system’s pressure gauge and ensuring the water treatment (if applicable) is adequate to prevent future scaling and corrosion. Low pressure can indicate a leak, which a technician can quickly locate and repair.

Why Routine Maintenance Pays Off:

Sustained Efficiency: A well-maintained boiler can maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency rating throughout its life. A neglected boiler’s efficiency can plummet by 5-10% per year due to buildup and poor calibration.
Avoid Emergency Repairs: The vast majority of mid-winter boiler breakdowns—which often require expensive, urgent service calls—are due to easily preventable issues discovered during routine maintenance.
Extended System Life: Boilers are designed to last 15-30 years. Regular boiler services can help your unit reach the high end of that range, delaying a costly replacement.
Warranty Compliance: Most boiler manufacturers require documented annual maintenance by a licensed professional to keep your warranty valid.

In short, investing a small amount now in professional boiler services is the surest way to prevent a large, unexpected bill for a complete system failure or replacement later. Secure your home’s comfort and efficiency by making annual boiler maintenance a non-negotiable part of your Northern Utah home preparation.

Essential Components of Professional Boiler Services

A thorough, professional maintenance appointment from the technicians at 1st American is not just a quick visual check. It is a comprehensive tune-up designed to maximize efficiency, ensure safety, and extend the lifespan of your unit. When you schedule boiler services, expect the following critical checks:

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Preventive Boiler Services

Many homeowners view maintenance as an unnecessary expense. However, when it comes to sophisticated heating systems like boilers, skipping annual check-ups is one of the most expensive decisions you can make.

Signs That Heater Repair May Be Needed

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:21:14 GMT

When to Call for Heater Repair

As winter temperatures drop, the last thing any homeowner wants to face is a malfunctioning heating system. A heater is more than just an appliance – it’s essential for maintaining a comfortable, safe living environment during the coldest months of the year. Unfortunately, many people overlook early warning signs of heater problems until they’re faced with a complete breakdown, often resulting in emergency repairs that could have been avoided.

By learning to recognize the subtle hints a heating system provides when it’s struggling, homeowners can address issues early, potentially saving hundreds of dollars in repairs and ensuring their family stays warm when it matters most. Here are the key signs that indicate the heater might need professional attention before it fails completely.

Unusual Sounds or Smells

Strange sounds and unusual odors coming from the heating system are often early warning signs of mechanical issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Banging, whistling, or scraping noises can indicate problems ranging from loose components and failing bearings to a cracked heat exchanger or malfunctioning blower motor. Similarly, burning smells may signal dust buildup on heating elements, worn-out electrical components, or more serious issues like overheating mechanical parts.

While some odors, such as a brief burning smell when first starting the heater for the season, can be normal due to accumulated dust, persistent or strong odors require immediate attention. A metallic or electrical burning smell often indicates overheating components or wiring problems, while a rotten egg smell could signal a potentially dangerous gas leak. These issues not only affect the heater’s performance but can also pose serious safety risks to the household. Professional inspection and repair are essential when encountering any unusual sounds or smells, as attempting DIY fixes could exacerbate the problem or void the warranty.

Insufficient Heating

One of the most obvious signs that the heating system requires professional attention is insufficient or uneven heating throughout the home. When the heater struggles to maintain the desired temperature or fails to reach the temperature set on the thermostat, this often indicates underlying issues such as blocked ductwork, failing components, or a system that’s losing efficiency. Cold spots in certain rooms or areas can signal problems with heat distribution, which may be caused by duct leaks, improper system sizing, or malfunctioning zone controls .

These heating inconsistencies shouldn’t be ignored, as they typically worsen over time and can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. A properly functioning heating system should maintain consistent temperatures throughout the living space while operating efficiently. When the heater runs constantly yet fails to warm the home adequately, or if certain areas remain persistently colder than others, these are clear indicators that professional heating repair is necessary to diagnose and resolve the underlying issues before they develop into more serious and costly problems.

About 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air

1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air is a trusted plumbing, cooling, and heating company serving South Jordan, UT, and beyond. They offer upfront pricing, emergency services, and the latest technology. Contact them today for heater repair services in Midvale, UT .

High Utility Bills

A sudden spike in utility bills, particularly during the heating season, often serves as a clear indicator that the heating system isn’t operating at optimal efficiency. When heaters develop mechanical issues or component wear, they typically need to work harder and run longer cycles to maintain desired temperatures, consuming significantly more energy in the process. This increased energy consumption directly translates to higher utility costs, even when the heating habits haven’t changed.

Several underlying issues can contribute to this inefficiency, including clogged filters, faulty thermostats, damaged heat exchangers , or compromised ductwork. As these problems worsen, the system may be operating at as little as 60-70% efficiency compared to its optimal performance level. Professional repair becomes essential not only to restore proper functionality but also to prevent further deterioration and additional strain on the system. Addressing these issues promptly can help return utility bills to normal levels while extending the overall lifespan of the heating system.

Tips to Save Money on Your Annual Utility Bills

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 06:29:37 GMT

If your utility bills take a big chunk out of your household budget, you’re not alone. Lots of Utah homeowners are trying to find ways to cut down on monthly expenses, and utilities are a great place to start. According to Forbes , the average single-family American household spends just over $5,150 per year on utilities, a large portion of their budget. However, with some strategic changes and small adjustments on your part, you can reduce your utility expenses without sacrificing any of your comfort. This article will help you with quick and easy tips to start saving money on your utility bills today.

Water Use

The average American household of two uses approximately 3,000 gallons of water per month, making water bills the second-largest utility expense. However, reducing water usage is fairly easy and can result in significant savings. Here are some areas where you can cut down on water usage:

Leaks

You should check your home regularly for leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes. One small drip from a faucet may seem insignificant, but leaks like this can lead to wasted water and large utility bills. After inspecting around your home, if you see a leak, repair it immediately to prevent spending money on wasted water. Along with checking faucets and pipes inside your home, don’t forget outside your home, too.

Toilets

Toilets can account for up to a quarter of water usage in your home. One easy way to save money is to replace outdated toilets with low-flow models. These new toilets use significantly less water per flush and can lead to huge savings on your water bill over time. Our expert plumbers at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help you install these new toilets in no time.

Showers

Showers contribute up to 20% of total water use in homes. When using your shower, you should always practice water-conserving habits such as reducing shower time and investing in low flow, water-efficient showerheads. Another small way to save money when you shower is to adjust your water heater’s temperature settings. One or two degrees lower in temperature can be a big cost saving. One final tip is to investigate tankless water heater options to increase your energy usage and save money on utility bills.

Faucets

Installing low-flow faucets to reduce water usage is an easy way to save money without sacrificing water pressure. These faucets are fairly easy to install, but if you don’t feel comfortable tackling this project as a DIY on your own, our trustworthy plumbers at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help swap out your faucets in one day. Also, practicing simple habits like turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes can also help with your water savings over time.

Laundry

When it comes to laundry, using cold water cycles when washing clothes can be one small way you can save money each month on your utility bill. Also, practice reusing bath towels, and air dry your laundry whenever possible to reduce water and energy usage associated with washing machines and dryers.

Heating and Cooling

Examining your heating and cooling practices is an essential way to lower utility bills and maintain comfort in your home. Many homeowners set their thermostats and forget about the cost associated with wasted heating and cooling, such as running the heat or air conditioner while their at work at the same temperatures as they would when they are home. Are you guilty of this? Here are some tips to optimize heating and cooling efficiency and save money:

Insulation

Inspect the insulated areas of your home to ensure it’s adequately insulated to prevent heat loss during winter and maintain cooler temperatures in summer. Check seals on windows and doors and consider investing in double-pane glass windows for improved insulation. The cost up-front may seem large, but the savings over time will save you budget dollars in the long run.

Air Ducts

Inspect and seal any leaks in your home’s ductwork to prevent energy loss and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system , including changing air filters and clearing debris from outdoor units, can also optimize performance and reduce energy consumption. Be sure you contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air to schedule an annual check up for your HVAC system to keep it running at maximum efficiency.

Thermostats

If you haven’t installed programmable thermostats in your home already, consider replacing them soon so you can adjust temperature settings based on your schedule, reducing energy usage when you’re away from home. Also consider investing in quality fans and blackout curtains to keep your home temperature comfortable and reduce the need to rely on your heating and cooling system.

Electricity

Electricity consumption for lighting, electronics, and appliances accounts for a significant portion of home energy use–up to 15%. Luckily, this is an area that can be improved quickly in your home. Here are some strategies to save money on electricity bills:

Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs to reduce electricity consumption for lighting is a quick way to save money on your utility bills. Take the savings even further by installing smart light switches and utilize motion sensors to control lighting usage. No more worrying if you left lights on in your home once you’ve gone out for the night.

Electronics

Electronics that show a light or a clock when not in use still use power in your home. This “phantom energy” usage can add to your annual utility costs. To combat this, consider investing in smart power strips and turn off electronics completely when not in use. You should also upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and optimize the energy settings to further reduce your electricity consumption.

Energy Provider

Do your research and identify off-peak rates and alternative energy suppliers to potentially lower electricity costs in your home. Comparing rates and negotiating a flat rate with your current provider can also help you better manage your monthly budget and save money on utility bills.

By putting these practical tips to use to save money on your annual utility bills, you can not only save dollars, but you’ll also reduce your environmental impact. Whether it’s reducing water consumption, optimizing heating and cooling efficiency, or cutting down on electricity usage, each small change you make contributes to long-term savings in your budget and a more sustainable lifestyle. Start following these tips today and incorporate them into your daily routine to enjoy the benefits of lower utility bills and more money in your pocket.

6 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:36:40 GMT

Winter in the Salt Lake Valley can bring cold temperatures, and when the thermometer drops, your plumbing may be at risk. Water expands when it goes from liquid to solid form, causing pipes to split, crack, or even burst. Frozen pipes are not only a huge inconvenience for a homeowner, but they can also lead to costly repairs and water damage throughout your home. Below we’re sharing six simple and effective ways to prevent frozen pipes to keep your home cozy and dry when it’s chilly outside.

Insulate, Insulate, Insulate

When it comes to protecting your pipes against the winter cold, insulation is your best friend. Walk around your home and identify any exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the basement, crawl spaces, and attics. Wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation to create a cozy barrier against the cold so they’re less likely to crack or burst. If you find a crack or leak while you’re inspecting your pipes, contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air for help immediately.

Seal Those Leaks

Gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior can let in frigid air, putting your pipes at risk. Conduct a thorough inspection around your home for any leaks and seal them up with caulk or insulation. Don’t forget to seal where pipes run from inside to outside the home, too. This protects your plumbing from the low temperatures and keeps your home warmer overall.

Leave Cabinets Open

Many pipes are hidden away behind closed cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms. During Utah cold snaps, leave your cabinet doors open to allow warm air inside your home to circulate around the pipes. This extra warmth can be the key to preventing freezing and avoiding a plumbing disaster.

Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Fluctuating temperatures can spell trouble for your plumbing. It may be tempting to lower the thermostat when you’re away to save dollars on your heating bill, but it’s best to maintain a consistent temperature in your home during the winter months to keep your pipes safe. Your thermostat should be set to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times during winter months, even when you’re not at home. This will help ensure your pipes are warm and secure, so you’ll likely avoid any freezing issues.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the frigid temperatures arrive, take the time to disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses. Why? Leaving water in hoses can leave a small amount of water to remain in your pipe by the spigot, which will lead to frozen pipes. That pipe may eventually burst. Store your hoses in a warm, dry place, and shut off the outdoor water supply if possible. By taking this simple step, you can prevent potential trouble when the temperature drops.

If you realize you forgot to disconnect your hoses before Utah’s freezing temps arrived, try following these steps to thaw a frozen spigot:

Immediately disconnect the hose
Open the spigot
Wrap the spigot and pipe in towels or old rags
Slowly pour hot water over the wrapped spigot
Repeat step 4 until the water flow returns
Continue letting the water run for 2-3 minutes
Leave the spigot open slightly to allow for a constant drip

If you can’t restore water flow, contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air at (801) 477-5818 , and one of our experts can help.

Remember, winter in Utah doesn’t have to spell disaster for your plumbing. With these six easy tips, you can safeguard your pipes against freezing temperatures and ensure a hassle-free season. A little prevention now can save you from a major plumbing issue later. So, stay ahead of the cold, follow these steps, and remember, the trusted experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help keep your pipes in top-notch condition.

Let Faucets Drip

It might sound counterintuitive, but allowing your faucets to drip can actually prevent your pipes from freezing. When water moves through your home’s piping system, it’s less likely to freeze. If temperatures are expected to drop, turn on your faucets just a bit to let a steady drip flow from each faucet. This simple trick can make a big difference in keeping the water flowing and ensuring your pipes are safe.

7 Summer Plumbing Problems and How to Solve Them

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:43:52 GMT

Summer is for sunny days, outdoor adventures, and making memories with friends and family. But it can also bring its own set of unique plumbing challenges. At 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air , we understand the importance of a smooth operating plumbing system. Below, we review seven common summer plumbing problems and provide you with expert solutions on how to solve them, so your summer remains relaxing and stress-free.

Dripping Faucets

A dripping faucet can be much more than a small annoyance, so it’s important that you do not ignore the dripping. A leaky faucet means wasted water and an increase in your utility bill. In the summertime, outdoor faucets are used often, and indoor faucets can see extra activity because of out-of-town visitors. A dripping faucet is typically caused by a worn-out washer, a malfunctioning valve, or increased water pressure.

Solution: Our expert plumbers are available to inspect and repair the root cause of your dripping faucet. Acting quickly conserves water, and it also prevents potential damage to your fixtures, which makes them last longer.

Sewer Line Backups

Heavy summer rains can cause an overflow of your sewer system, potentially leading to backups. Also, if you have large trees in your yard, tree roots searching for moisture can cause large blockages in sewer lines.

Solution: Regular sewer line inspections are an effective way to get an up-close look at your sewer line. Finding potential issues early can save you from major repair costs and inconvenience. In case of a backup, our team can help with techniques to clear the blockage and help your plumbing system run well again.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Utah is known for its summer thunderstorms and occasional downpours during the hot summer months. When these storms roll through, your basement might be at risk of flooding. Sump pumps are your first line of defense against water accumulation. If your sump pump system isn’t properly maintained, it might fail right when you need it most.

Solution: Our dependable plumbers specialize in sump pump inspection and maintenance. Call us and we’ll make sure that your sump pump is in optimal working condition before the thunder-boomers begin. Don’t let summer storms catch you off guard – let 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air ensure your basement stays dry and secure.

Water Heater Problems

While water heater issues are often associated with colder months, the summer season can also have water heaters experiencing their own set of problems. Fluctuating water temperatures or a poor hot water supply can signal a malfunctioning water heater, especially if there is increased usage during this summer.

Solution: Pay attention to the temperature of your shower and make note if there is a difference in supply. Our honest, skilled plumbers can help you evaluate and repair your water heater if you find it isn’t working correctly.

Washing Machine Overload

Summer activities often result in more laundry–from sandy beach towels to grass-stained sports gear. Overloading your washing machine strains the unit and increases the likelihood of leaks or breakdowns.

Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for loading your washing machine. Responsible usage combined with regular inspections can help to ensure smooth operation. If you notice leaks or unusual noises coming from your machine, contact us immediately.

Clogged Garbage Disposal

In the summer, people are busy with outdoor gatherings and barbecues, which means there’s more activity in the kitchen. Although garbage disposals are convenient appliances, they can experience issues when they are overused by flushing extra food scraps down them, particularly items full of fiber or starch, such as corn husks and potato peels.

Solution: Reevaluating your disposal habits can go a long way. Consider throwing food remains in the trash. Run cold water while operating the disposal and avoid overloading it with large quantities of food. If a stubborn clog does occur, our trustworthy plumbers are here to help.

Backed-Up Toilets

With kids on summer break and increased people in your home, toilets can definitely see more frequent use than they’re used to. This can raise the risk of clogs, especially if inappropriate items get flushed down the drain.

Solution: Teach your family about proper toilet usage and explain that only toilet paper should be flushed. If pesky clogs happen, the experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help.

Summer is a time to play outdoors in the sun and create lots of great memories. Our plumbers are dedicated to ensuring that plumbing problems don’t ruin your summer joy. As your trusted and reliable plumbing partner in the Salt Lake Valley, we’re here to give you expert solutions to any plumbing issues that come your way. Contact us today for honest service and keep your plumbing system in optimal condition throughout the season and beyond.

How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:48:39 GMT

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment, a reliable HVAC system plays an important role. However, like any other mechanical equipment, HVAC systems have a limited lifespan. Understanding the average lifespan of an HVAC system can help homeowners make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and routine maintenance. Let’s explore the factors that affect the longevity of HVAC systems and their lifespans below.

Importance of HVAC System Longevity

HVAC systems are a big investment for homeowners, and understanding how long they can last is important for budgeting and planning. The lifespan of an HVAC system depends on several factors, including the quality of installation, regular maintenance, system type, usage patterns, and environmental conditions. By taking proactive measures to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, you can avoid costly breakdowns, minimize energy consumption, and ensure a cool home for years to come.

Average Lifespan of HVAC Systems

According to industry experts and various studies, the average lifespans of different HVAC systems are as follows:

Furnaces: On average, a well-maintained furnace can last between 15 to 20 years. Regular inspections, filter replacements, and repairing minor issues quickly can help extend its lifespan.

Air Conditioners: Air conditioners last approximately 10 to 15 years. Routine maintenance such as cleaning or replacing filters, regular coil cleaning, and refrigerant level checks, can contribute to its longevity.

Heat Pumps: With regular maintenance, heat pumps can typically last between 10 to 15 years. Regular inspections, cleaning the coils, and ensuring proper airflow can help maximize a heat pump’s lifespan.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems: These systems are known for their longevity, lasting on average 20 years or more when well-maintained. Regular filter cleaning or replacement, keeping proper refrigerant levels, and professional maintenance can enhance their performance and durability.

It’s important to note that these average lifespans are based on well-maintained systems. If you neglect regular maintenance, it can significantly reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system. Follow manufacturer recommendations and schedule professional maintenance to maximize the longevity of your system.

Maximizing HVAC System Lifespan

If you own your home, you can take specific steps to maximize the lifespan of your HVAC system. Even if you haven’t been attentive to your HVAC until now, it’s important that you start following these recommendations starting now:

Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual or bi-annual maintenance inspections with a professional HVAC technician to ensure the system is running optimally and to address any emerging issues promptly.
Air Filter Maintenance: Regularly clean or replace air filters to maintain proper airflow and prevent debris buildup, reducing strain on the system.
Proper Usage: Avoid excessive usage or running the system when it is not necessary. Programmable thermostats can help optimize energy consumption and reduce wear and tear on the system.
Addressing Issues Promptly: If you notice any unusual noises, reduced airflow, or inconsistent temperature control, it is crucial to have the system inspected and repaired promptly to prevent further damage.

Understanding the lifespan of your HVAC system is essential for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. By considering factors such as installation quality, regular maintenance, system type, usage patterns, and environmental conditions, you can make informed decisions about your HVAC system. Whether you need professional installation, routine maintenance, or expert advice on maximizing the lifespan of your HVAC system, 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians and ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently for years to come. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in the longevity of your HVAC system now and enjoy a comfortable home environment all year round.

Factors Affecting HVAC System Lifespan

Quality of Installation: Proper installation by an experienced professional like 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air is the first step to ensuring your HVAC will live a long life. Poor installation can lead to inefficient operation, premature wear and tear, and your system won’t last as long as it should.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your HVAC system operating efficiently and lasting a long time. Routine inspections, cleaning, and servicing can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, improving overall performance and longevity.
System Type: Different HVAC systems have varying lifespans. Furnaces typically last around 15 to 20 years, air conditioners can last 10 to 15 years, heat pumps have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and ductless mini-split systems can last up to 20 years or more.
Usage Patterns: The amount of time your HVAC system is running directly impacts its lifespan. Systems that are constantly working hard or subjected to heavy usage can wear out more quickly than those used occasionally or in moderate climates.
Environmental Conditions: The environmental conditions outside of your home also influence your HVAC system’s lifespan. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, poor air quality, and exposure to corrosive substances can speed up wear and tear, shortening the longevity of your system.

What Does SEER Rating Mean on Your HVAC Unit?

Tue, 16 May 2023 06:55:35 GMT

When it comes to choosing an HVAC unit , understanding the SEER rating is crucial. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it serves as a valuable indicator of your system’s energy efficiency. Higher SEER ratings mean greater energy efficiency and potentially lower energy bills. In this blog, we will review the significance of SEER ratings and explore how they impact your HVAC system’s performance and your overall comfort.

Understanding SEER Ratings

The SEER rating is a measure of the cooling output of an HVAC system divided by the energy input over a typical cooling season. It represents the unit’s efficiency by considering the cooling capacity in relation to the energy consumed. SEER ratings typically range from 13 to 25, with higher numbers indicating greater energy efficiency.

Environmental Impact

Energy efficiency is not only beneficial for your budget but also for the environment. When you choose a SEER-rated HVAC unit, you contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These units require less energy to operate, which results in lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. By making this eco-friendly choice, you can help mitigate climate change and promote sustainability.

Performance and Comfort

SEER ratings directly impact the performance and comfort of your HVAC system. Higher-rated systems can provide better humidity control, temperature consistency, and improved indoor air quality. They’re designed to run for longer durations at lower speeds, which ensures a more even distribution of cooled air throughout your home. Also, some technologies incorporated into high SEER-rated units help minimize noise levels, creating a quieter and more comfortable living environment.

Energy Savings

One of the benefits of a high SEER-rated HVAC system is the potential for significant energy savings. Higher SEER ratings imply that the unit can deliver more cooling while consuming less energy. This translates into lower utility bills over time. Upgrading to a higher SEER-rated system can lead to substantial cost savings, especially in Utah as we experience our long and hot summers.

Investment Value

Upgrading to a high SEER-rated HVAC system is an investment that can benefit you in the long run. The upfront cost of a higher-rated system may be slightly more, but the energy savings it offers can quickly offset your initial investment. Another bonus? High-efficiency HVAC system adds value to your property, making it a great selling point for potential buyers if you decide to sell your home in the future.

Energy Efficiency Regulations

SEER ratings are subject to government regulations, and those regulations establish minimum energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems. If you don’t regularly keep up on the regulations and requirements in your area, the trustworthy technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help you make an informed decision when it’s time to consider a new HVAC unit.

Factors Affecting SEER Ratings

There are a lot of factors that influence the SEER rating of an HVAC unit. These factors include:

System components: The efficiency of various components, such as the compressor and coil, contributes to the overall SEER rating.
Sizing and installation: It’s critical that sizing and correct installation take place for the unit to reach optimal performance and achieve the rated SEER.
Climate: SEER rating can vary depending on the climate conditions in your area. Units with higher SEER ratings are more suitable for Utah because of our hotter climate.

Choosing the Right SEER Rating

Selecting the appropriate SEER rating for your HVAC system involves considering many factors. These factors can include your budget, climate, energy efficiency goals, and the estimated payback period. The reputable HVAC professional at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help you determine the ideal SEER rating based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Maintenance and Efficiency

To ensure your HVAC system maintains its energy efficiency, be sure to perform regular maintenance on your unit. Easy tasks like cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting, and cleaning coils can help your unit keep running effectively even through our hot Utah summers.

Understanding the significance of SEER ratings empowers you to make an informed decision when selecting an HVAC unit. With the potential for energy savings, environmental impact, enhanced comfort, and increased property value, a high SEER-rated system is a wise investment. Be sure to contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating &Air today for more information and take a step towards a more efficient and comfortable living environment.

Do I Need a Sump Pump & What Do They Do?

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:03:16 GMT

When you live in Utah, chances are your home has a basement or a crawlspace. As you probably know, winters can be difficult in this area. When the snow melts, weather related flooding can be a common problem for homeowners. This can also occur when there’s a moisture concern, a leak in your plumbing, or an issue with your drainage. Water can enter your basement and crawlspaces when the natural water table raises to a certain level, which soaks the surrounding soil and leaks into your home. The last thing you want as a homeowner is to deal with flooding and property damage, which is why we’ve put together this article about why you may need a sump pump for your home, and we explain exactly what they do.

What is a Sump Pump?

Before we start telling you why you may need a sump pump, let us explain first what a sump pump is. A sump pump is a small pump that is installed in your sump basin to extract the water that may appear there. Typically, a sump basin is installed in the basement of a home, and it collects water that enters the crawlspace or basement through perimeter drains or the natural ground water. The sump pump sucks up the water and pushes it out of the basement and into storm drains or other safe drainage areas.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a sump pump?”, you should first ask yourself a couple of questions. This will help you determine if it’s best to have a sump pump installed in your home. And remember, even if there’s never been a water or moisture issue in your home, sump pump installation provides peace in knowing you have the pump installed before flooding ever occurs.

Does my home have a basement or crawlspace? If the answer is yes, we suggest installing a sump pump in your home.
Is the soil surrounding my home dense or made of heavy clay? If it is, and moisture collects around your foundation, water will drain slower and stay around your foundation rather than seeping into the surrounding soil quickly. A sump pump will help you drain the water away from your home more quickly.
Does the ground slope away or toward my home? If it slopes towards your home, the slope will send water towards your foundation rather than away from it. A sump pump will protect you against flooding or damage.

How Long do Sump Pumps Last?

When you have a sump pump professionally installed in your home, it can be expected to have a lifespan between 7 to 10 years. The life of your pump will depend on the amount of time it’s in operation. If your sump pump needs to run frequently, or for long periods of time, this will result in more wear and tear that may cause the system to fail earlier. It’s important to pay attention to how often your sump pump is pumping water.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are a few different types of sump pumps. The first is a submersible sump pump. It’s a fairly quiet, out of the way pump, and the motor and the pump are contained in one unit that is completely submerged. This type of pump may be quieter and save some space, but it doesn’t last as long as a pedestal pump.

A pedestal sump pump has a pump that is separate from the motor. The pump is located in the basin, but the motor is not. The motor sits on a pedestal above the basin. These types of pumps are easier to access and maintain, but they can be in the way if your basement or crawlspace is small. Some sump pumps have battery backup, and others have a water backup. If there’s a chance the power may go out during your flood, having a battery or water powered backup unit is the perfect option.

How Do You Maintain a Sump Pump?

To keep your sump pump functioning correctly, we suggest performing regular maintenance on the pump. This will help maximize the life of your sump pump. Before doing any work on your sump pump, disconnect the power. Clean the pump screen or inlet opening every month if your sump pump is active often. Every three months you should remove any debris that has collected in the basin. Test your sump pump by dumping enough water into the basin so that the float switch is activated and starts the pump.

Can My Local Plumber Install a Sump Pump for Me?

Yes! The licensed technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can install a basin and a sump pump for you. They will also install discharge piping from the basement level, window well, or exterior stairwell. Your technician will help determine where your pump should drain. When possible, our goal is to have the water exit the discharge line at least 20 feet from your home or into a storm water drain or receptacle.

The trusted plumbers know the codes for Salt Lake City, Riverton, South Jordan, Draper, Herriman, Lehi, and other cities in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The work we provide will meet the code for your city.

If you have more questions, or need an honest plumber to install your sump pump in Utah, call us at (801) 477-5818 now.

5 Most Common Spring Plumbing Problems

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:08:22 GMT

The transition from Winter into Spring is a welcome time for everyone. The cold weather months are behind us, and warmer days are now ahead. When we move into Spring weather in Utah, we still experience fluctuating temperatures. We are known for having a few cold snaps in March, and this quick temperature difference can result in problems with homeowners’ plumbing systems. In this article, we’re reviewing the 5 most common Spring plumbing problems and what to look for so you don’t experience larger issues later.

1. Poor Water Pressure

If you notice your water pressure changing, this most likely is due to a leak in the plumbing system in your home. Springtime months are known for their showers and storms, and the water accumulated around your home sinks into the soil, causing it to become drenched. When this occurs, this may cause stress on your underground plumbing.

This could eventually lead to a developing leak in the main line and could cause your poor water pressure. Call your local plumbing professional to examine your pipes to see if a leak is present. A plumbing expert like those from 1st American Plumbing , Heating & Air will be able to resolve the issue quickly.

3. Pipe Leaks

In Utah, we experience plummeting temperatures during the winter. These cold temperatures cause contraction or freezing of the pipes in your home, which could cause small cracks. When the temperature warms up, those pipes expand. If there was a small crack present, this will likely cause the crack to grow larger.

Around your home you may notice drips of water coming from your pipes, a musty smell, or standing water. You may even notice an increase in your water or electric bill. Your local plumbing expert should inspect your pipes if this is the case, and they can determine if you have a leak in your plumbing system. Call immediately if you think this is the case.

4. Clogged Outdoor Drains

If you have outdoor drains around your home, inspect the areas closely to ensure the drain is functioning properly. Leaves, sticks, and other yard debris can clog your drain if you didn’t clean it up before the snow fell. Once the Utah snow begins to melt, these drains can become clogged, causing large issues around your home.

If you do notice clogs, it’s important that you clean your drains immediately. When the debris is allowed to sit, you may be dealing with a major blockage down the road. Eventually, the drain will stop working correctly, and you could be dealing with a flood on your property.

2. Slow Draining

When soil is soaked with water due to heavy rain, pressure could be placed on the pipes that come from your home to the sewer as well. Many complications can occur from this. Whether it’s your sink, tub, toilet, or shower, slow drainage can cause major issues. Water can even back up on your lawn, which means it’s flooded with sewer water.

Another reason for slow drainage could be from the growing trees, plants, and other types of shrubbery. Growing root systems can grow into a pipe, and it could result in a potentially serious blockage in your system. If you think you have a blockage, contact a local professional.

5. Failing Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your basement, you likely already know that this appliance doesn’t typically run during the winter months because of the freezing conditions. When the warm weather of Spring returns, and rain storms are common, your basement could experience flooding. The pump is then turned on to clear the water.

Unfortunately, lots of homeowners have found out the hard way that this initial turn on does not take place. If you don’t clear the water in your basement immediately, it could result in extensive water damage to your home’s foundation. If you need maintenance or a replacement, contact your trustworthy plumbing experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air .

To avoid any of the problems we’ve discussed above, it’s important that you inspect your property closely. Test all of your outdoor spigots, walk around your home, and check your basement and other areas of the home regularly to make sure no leaks have developed. If you notice a leak has occurred, repair them immediately, or contact your local plumber.

Inside your home, check all of the water valves, inspect the tubs, sinks, toilets, and showers. Regular home inspections by your local plumbing expert can also help you identify problems early, helping you avoid any necessary repairs.

Springtime in Utah should be enjoyed, and you shouldn’t be spending the warm months worried about leaks in your home. The honest experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help. Please contact us at (801) 477-5818 to schedule an inspection or repair service. We’ll come out to your home quickly and make sure your property is spring time ready.

Top 7 Causes for Broken Pipes in Your Home

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 07:22:07 GMT

Plumbing pipes are an essential part of your home. You use them every day, yet it’s not often that you give the pipes that run through and under your home much thought at all. That is, until one breaks. A broken water pipe can not only cause damage to your home and property, but it can also be costly to repair. But did you know there are many reasons pipes break, and there are often signs of issues before they do? Below, we’re sharing the top 7 causes for broken pipes in your home and how you can prevent them.

1. Freezing

Cold temperature is one of the top reasons pipes break. When the thermostat dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water in pipes will start to slowly freeze. As water freezes, it expands, and that pressure inside the pipe causes it to burst. When Jack Frost is nipping at your nose (and pipes), consider insulating your pipes and keeping your house warm. Letting water trickle from the taps in your home to keep the water moving will also help you avoid freezing pipes.

3. Tree Roots

Trees and shrubbery near your home have root systems that run underground. If the soil is compacted, those roots can extend deep into the soil and apply pressure to your pipes, causing cracks and leaks. It’s important that you keep shrubs and trees away from your home’s pipes when planting new greenery. If you’re concerned about current root systems, your local plumbing specialist can run a camera through your plumbing drains and pipes to see if you have any issues.

4. Older Pipes

Sometimes the reason for a broken pipe can be as simple as its age. Through the years, erosion can occur and pipes can crack or break. Steel pipes can corrode, and the mineral buildup can cause pipes to narrow and slowly burst. To prevent this from happening, consider scheduling regular pipe maintenance to ensure there are no issues to be concerned about.

2. Blocked Pipes

If you’ve had a clog building in your pipes, it could be causing unexpected pressure to build up. As we mentioned in tip number one, too much pressure will eventually cause your pipe to break. Pipes can become clogged due to oil and grease build up, hair, food, toilet paper and more. When these clogs occur, sinks and toilets back up and pipes can burst. Prevent clogged drains by being aware of what you flush down your drains and having your drains cleaned if they’re draining slowly.

5. Ground Shifts

Shifting in the ground can damage buried pipes. Earthquakes or tremors are typical examples of such ground shifts. Also, if you live in an area that has experienced a high amount of rainfall, that water can saturate the ground, causing soil to erode or shift as well. While you can’t do anything about the weather or ground shifts, you can be sure to ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent soil movement.

6. High Water Pressure

The common theme between all of the causes we’ve mentioned above is pressure. High water pressure is a major cause of broken pipes in homes. Normal water pressure measures between 50 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) on a hose bib gauge. You can pick up one of these inexpensive gauges at your local hardware store and measure the water pressure in your home. Just attach it to a spigot outside and open the line. If the water pressure is too high, your local plumbing expert can install a special pressure-reducing valve to bring the water pressure down to safer levels.

7. Accidental Damage

As homeowners, we’re often fixing up our properties by remodeling or landscaping. It can be common for homeowners or their contractors to accidentally hit or break a water pipe underground or inside a wall while tackling these projects. To avoid this issue, be sure to have your underground pipes located contacting 811 “Call Before You Dig” in your area so they can properly indicate which areas in your yard to avoid.

It’s important to remember that if a broken pipe occurs in your home or on your property to take action immediately to keep damage at a minimum. If you don’t know where your main water supply shut off valve is located, it’s important you find out. That way, if you do face a burst or leak, you can turn off the water supply immediately.

Despite your best prevention efforts, remember that broken pipes can occur any time. The local plumbing experts at 1st American Plumbing can help you if you experience a burst pipe, a slow leak, or a clogged drain. Reach us at 801-695-4114 or by contacting us on our website at 1stamericanplumbing.com. Not only are we experts with plumbing issues, but we can also can help you with any water damage that may have occurred when your pipe broke. We’ll get your plumbing repaired and your home cleaned up in no time.

Water Damage and Flood Restoration Checklist

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 09:10:10 GMT

One of the most difficult things to go through as a homeowner is discovering water damage to your home from flooding or a plumbing issue. Personal property is often damaged, and you’re racing against time to save your home and property. Whether the flooding is from storms, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster, flood waters not only damage property, but the water can also seep into the support structure of your home, warping and weakening framing, beams, or floors. The moisture can also cause mold to grow. When you discover a flood, you’ll likely be overwhelmed at what to do first. That’s why we’ve put together a water damage and flood restoration checklist for you so you’re ready if flooding happens in your Draper home.

If you’re experiencing flooding in your home, take action immediately to keep yourself safe. Remove all pets and children. Flood water can include harmful organisms like E. coli and salmonella, so regular handwashing is very important as well. If the flooding is coming from a plumbing issue, contact your local plumber immediately.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve moved you and your loved ones to safety, contact your insurance company. There may be resources available to you through your insurance provider to help. In the event that the loss isn’t covered, they might be able to put you in contact with companies that can provide flood damage cleanup or restoration. There are many plumbing companies that can help with cleanup and restoration as well.

3. Document Damaged Items

Once you’ve determined your home is safe to enter, put on protective gear including gloves, boots, and safety glasses or goggles. Take photos or a video with date and time stamps so you can present these to your insurance company. This includes items like wet furniture, soaked carpets, and soggy personal property. Be sure to include imagery of how high the water rose inside your home—this is often evident on the drywall and will have to be removed at least 2 feet above the waterline in your images.

4. Remove Soaked Items

Any items that are sitting in water should be removed quickly. Some items can be saved and cleaned, but you need to throw out any electronics, books, or furniture that can’t be restored. Take photos and make a log of any personal property that could possibly be covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Your insurance agent should be able to tell you if you’re covered for those items. Any items that can be salvaged should be relocated to a dry area away from your home before you have someone start extracting water from the basement or lower floors.

2. Check Your Home’s Structure

Before you begin any water damage clean up, it’s essential you have your home inspected for any signs of structural damage. As we mentioned earlier, flood water can seep into the wood and materials that support your home. Be sure to check for damage to your drywall, support beams, hardwood floors, staircases, or foundation. You should also inspect your HVAC equipment to ensure it’s not leaking or running. The electrical to your home should be shut off before you enter any standing water to prevent the possibility of electrocution. You should consider contacting an electrician to help with this.

5. Begin the Initial Cleanup

Cleanup from the damage in your home could be a small or large project. Always wear your protective gear before you begin and consider wearing an N95 mask to protect yourself from airborne contaminants. If your flooding is from a large storm or natural disaster, begin by shoveling mud from hard surfaces. Clear out as much dirt and debris as possible, and spray wash what you can. You should use a heavy-duty detergent and hot water to wash down areas that have dirt stains. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying time. Once the initial cleanup is finished, mix one quarter cup of bleach with one gallon of water and use the mixture as a disinfectant.

6. Dry Out Your Home

If you’ve only experienced water damage in your home, once you’ve taken out all of your personal items, open all doors and windows to allow airflow into your house. Again, dehumidifiers and fans can help, and a wet vacuum can help speed up the job. These helpful items make clearing rooms of excess moisture much easier. Clean up puddles of water first, move to damp surfaces, then wipe down everything with the mixture of water and bleach we mentioned above.

7. Make a Repair List

Once you get your home cleaned up and the drying process has begun, it’s important you create a repair list of items in your home that need to be fixed or restored. This list can also be used as an inventory of sorts for damaged property or lost items if you file a claim against your flood insurance. Focus on repairs that are structural first, then record other repairs needed. For any plumbing issues that occurred during the flood, contact the best plumber in your area for their opinions for the repairs that need to be addressed.

If the checklist above seems daunting, and you’re feeling overwhelmed, considering hiring a company that deals with water damage clean up or flood remediation. These companies address the destruction after the flood and minimize further damage. Your local plumber, 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air, can repair the issues or refer you to someone who can. This includes everything from minor repairs to gutting out and repairing rooms in your home. 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air has the best plumbers who are trustworthy and friendly. There’s a reason we have over 800 5-star reviews! Call us today at (801) 477-5818 .

5 Types of Water Softeners

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 09:05:08 GMT

If you’ve ever experienced taking a shower or a bath in a home with a water softener, you can instantly tell that the water is silky and soft. There are many benefits of using soft water over hard water, but most homes have hard water, and the hard minerals that are in the water contribute to soap scum and deposits inside of pipes, causing low water flow. So why doesn’t everyone have a water softener? One reason could be because there are so many types of water softeners to choose from. How do you know which water softener is best for your home? To help you decide, we’re discussing 5 types of water softeners below to help you understand the pros and cons of each.

How Water Softeners Work

Before we discuss the 5 types of water softeners, let’s go over how water softeners work. Hard water is full of heavy minerals, and water softeners draw out those minerals from the water through an ion exchange process. Some can neutralize those minerals, which means your water will be clear of calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals. Your water is much softer, silkier, and gentler on your skin and hair.

Now that you understand how water softeners work, let’s discuss the 5 types of water softeners available to homeowners.

2. Salt-Free Water Softener

If you don’t want to upkeep your water softener on a weekly basis, then a salt-free system may be for you. These types of water softeners neutralize hard minerals from the water rather than remove them completely with the use of salt. A salt-free water softener is typically more expensive up front, but they are less to maintain since you won’t be purchasing bags of salt nor doing upkeep on the system on a weekly basis. An advantage of a salt-free softener is that they take up less space than salt-based systems. Since you don’t have to have an additional tank to take care of brining and draining, you use up less room in your home.

Another advantage of this type of system is that it typically uses a multi-stage filtration process. This process not only neutralizes minerals, but it also removes unwanted bacteria and chemicals from the water.

3. Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners

Some homeowners don’t see a reverse osmosis system as a water softener. This is because they strip water of all substances, including minerals like magnesium and calcium, which cause hard water. These systems can often feature multiple steps to re-introduce healthy minerals into the water to inject into your drinking water.

The reverse osmosis water softeners generally fit under the sink and often use their own faucet so you can have purified, soft water to drink. Because of this, it’s important to note that these types of systems only provide soft water to this one faucet, not throughout the entire home.

1. Salt-Based (Ion-Exchange) Water Softeners

Salt-based water softeners are the most common type of water softener. These salt-based softeners come in many different sizes for different needs and supply soft water to the entire home. Inside, a resin pulls the calcium and magnesium from the water and substitutes sodium ions for those minerals through a process called ion-exchange. One negative thing about a salt-based water softener is that you’ll have to consistently purchase bags of salt and upkeep the system weekly.

These salt-based systems remove the hard water causing minerals, but not really anything else. If your water contains bacteria or chemicals, this salt-based softener won’t remove it. The resin will last for many years, and when it runs out, it will be low cost to replace it. Homeowners like this option for that reason.

4. Magnetic Water Softeners

Newer on the market, magnetic water softeners are marketed as an alternative to water softeners because they don’t remove water’s hard minerals. Like salt-free water softeners, these magnetic water systems neutralize hard minerals to stop them from merging together. These systems give you all the benefits of soft water, but they are considered to be more affordable.

Magnetic water softeners are easy to install, with no pipe cutting required. To install, you simply wrap them around existing pipes and the magnetic field conditions the water that passes through your plumbing. Just wire them into your home’s electrical system and you’re good to go.

5. Showerhead Water Softeners

As you can guess, the systems we’ve mentioned above are more expensive than our 5th option—showerhead water softeners. Some homeowners just can’t afford this type of investment. If you’re looking for a silky-smooth shower, and you’re not interested in a house-wide system, then a showerhead softener may be for you.

To install a showerhead water softener, you only need to unscrew your old showerhead and screw the new one on. These systems use cartridge filters that conditioner the water and remove hard water minerals and more. Some of these softeners also come with vitamin filters that fortify the water with additional vitamins or even scents. Read the packaging when you purchase one of these systems to be sure you understand what the cartridge consists of.

Whatever the reason you are thinking of adding a soft water system to your home, it’s important you consider all of your options in water softeners. Your local, trustworthy plumber can help answer any questions you may have and help you determine the best system for you and your home. Contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air to schedule a time for one of our certified plumbers to inspect your water system and give you an estimate on one of these soft water systems listed above. Contact us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out this form and we’ll contact you as soon as we can.

8 Symptoms that Your Water Main is Leaking

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:41:31 GMT

Your water main brings clean water into your home from your city’s public water supply. This main line runs underground, and if a crack or leak occurs in this main line, it can be difficult to identify immediately. These lines run at least 3 feet below ground, which means unless you know what you’re looking for, you won’t find the problem unless you dig deep to view the line. If you’re worried you might have a leak in your main line, we’ve put together this list of 8 symptoms that your water main is leaking.

1. Water Bill Increasing

A top symptom of a water main leaking is the increase in your monthly water bill. Unless you’ve had visitors staying in your home or you’ve started doing more laundry or taking more showers, you should typically see the same range of charges each month on your bill. If that amount has increased, especially if it’s by a substantial amount, you should contact your local friendly plumber to help detect if your main line is leaking.

3. Odd Smells

Mold and mildew have a distinct smell, and it can hide under floors or behind walls. Because of this, it’s important to pay attention if you notice any strange smells in your Sandy home. It’s also important to keep an eye on the water coming from your faucets, because if the main line is broken, contaminants could be entering your home’s water supply. If your drains are clogged, a plumber can help you with drain cleaning. But, if the water coming from your taps start to smell odd, contact a plumber immediately to investigate.

4. Changing Water Color

As we mentioned above, if you have main line water leak, contaminants can enter the water that comes into your home through your plumbing. When the color of the water coming from your taps is a murky yellow or brown, or there’s debris that’s visible, these are indicators that you need a plumber immediately. A trustworthy plumber can identify the leak and help to advise you whether you need a water line flush or a line repair.

2. Mold and Mildew

If a leak in your water main is small, the water will slowly seep from the pipe, and that water can soak into drywall, wood, or plaster in your home. When moisture like this accumulates in one area, mildew can develop as well as mold spores. You may be able to see obvious signs of a water leak which include bubbling wall paint, discolored spots on ceilings or walls, or damp floors or trim. Contact your professional plumbing company for help.

5. Foundation Cracks

If your water main is leaking, water can begin to seep into the porous materials that form your home’s foundation. This can cause your foundation to crack, eventually leading to crumbling, which could be dangerous and expensive. If you see your foundation of your home has cracks or splits in the concrete, contact an emergency plumber as soon as possible to correct the issues before this causes structural problems and can cause expensive damages to your house.

6. Low Water Pressure

Occasionally you may notice dips in your water pressure if you’re doing laundry or someone is showering at the same time you’re running your faucet in your home. But, if you notice you’ve lost water pressure overall in your home, even when no one else is using a water source at the same time, you likely have a water main leak. A skilled plumbing professional can help you stop the leak quickly and examine your water main to determine if a leak is the cause.

8. Recurring Clogs

The drains in your home can tend to clog over time, due to the mineral build up and drain debris. This is typical and can require drain cleaning to keep the lines running clear. But if you’re finding your drains in your home clogging constantly, even after you’ve cleaned the drains thoroughly, it can be a sign that water is leaking somewhere inside your home. Contact your plumber for drain cleaning immediately.

One option to help you as you investigate whether you have a water leak is to contact your local water company and request that they turn off the water at the curb valve outside your home. They may send an emergency team to assist you, or they might give you instructions on how you can shut off the water for your home. This will give you time to assess a few things.

If you’d rather seek professional help after you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms or indications of a water main break at your home, rest assured that your local trustworthy plumber can also help you. The expert plumbers at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can not only help you identify the leak, but they can help you repair the leak as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air at (801) 477-5818 .

7. Puddling Water

One of the easiest ways to see if you have a plumbing leak is when you find dampness or puddles of water in or around your home. If you find the same areas continuing to show wetness such as around your sinks, water heater, washing machine, or outside of your home, without an explanation, it’s a sure sign your water line has a crack in it, and you should call your Sandy plumber immediately.

7 Most Common A/C Problems

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:32:53 GMT

Summer season is here, and everyone’s air conditioners are working hard to keep their homes comfortable and cool. When the temperatures surge higher and higher, those HVAC units have to work harder and harder, but what if your home isn’t cool like it should be? You may need an air conditioning repair company. There’s nothing worse than discovering your unit isn’t working correctly in the middle of a summer heat surge, so pay attention! We’ve put together of the 7 most common A/C problems homeowners face and how to identify them quickly.

1. Dirty Filter

The state of your air conditioner filter is very important to your A/C so it works correctly. The filter keeps dust and pollutants out of your HVAC system, and a clogged air filter restricts air flow to your unit, decreasing its efficiency. If the airflow from your air conditioner is feeling lower or stuffy, check your filter and clean or replace it. A good rule of thumb is to change your filter every 1-2 months. If you’ve changed your filter and your system still seems to be struggling, contact your air conditioning repair technician.

3. Outdoor Water Leak

When your air conditioner is working overtime on hot summer days, you may see a puddle of water near your home under the compressor of your unit. This could be because of a dry air filter, a broken condensate pan, a broken seal, or even an improper install of your HVAC unit. After you examine the situation and if you are unsure what’s causing the issue, call your trustworthy air conditioning repair tech as soon as possible.

4. Damaged Compressor

One of the major components inside your air conditioner is the compressor. It helps refrigerants performs the heat exchange and it regulates the HVAC pressure. When there isn’t enough refrigerant, the compressor can become hot and will stop working. The opposite is true when there is excess refrigerant—which will lead to increased pressure and cause the unit to fail as well. If you notice the air is blowing warmer, or it’s not cooling properly at all, reach out AC services to your local repairman.

2. Indoor Water Leak

If you see water indoors near your HVAC unit, it could mean the condensation drain of your system is clogged with algae or fungi. If this happens, the pipe backs up and water gathers around your A/C unit. To clean this hose out, pour 6 ounces of vinegar in the drain line to kill the fungi or algae and clear the line. If your condensation line seems to be all clear, you could have a broken condensate pump, which would require an immediate replacement. Contact your A/C repair company.

5. Air Conditioner Making Noises

Your A/C unit makes different sounds if there’s a problem, and the type of sound can help you understand the type of problem you’re facing. If you hear a hissing sound, a refrigerant leak could be the issue and you’ll need HVAC services. When you hear clicking sounds as you turn your A/C unit on and off, you may have a relay problem. And if you hear a buzzing sound, it could mean a faulty electrical component. If you hear funny noises coming from your system, call your local air conditioning repair company.

6. Refrigerant Leak

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling, it could mean that you have a refrigerant leak, and that could mean you need HVAC services. When refrigerant levels are low, the temperature from the A/C unit will vary, and the HVAC unit won’t perform as it normally should. Refrigerant leaks can result in frozen coils, damaged compressors, high power consumption and low efficiency, causing your unit to break down or run less efficiently. If you notice warmer air or lower pressure coming from your vents, inspect your air conditioner and see if you notice any refrigerant leaks. Or contact your local air conditioning repair company to come inspect your unit for you.

7. Malfunctioning Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat is one of the most common problems with home air conditioners not working. For instance, if your A/C unit is running short cycles, and your home feels warmer than usual, a faulty thermostat could be the culprit. Check your thermostat’s batteries to make sure they’re working properly and remove the cover to see if you notice any corrosion build-up or excessive dust. If you see that your thermostat needs cleaning, don’t try to tackle that chore on your own. Contact your local A/C repair business to help you clean or replace your thermostat to fix the issue.

The above problems are common issues homeowners face when their air conditioners stop working properly. It’s important that you pay attention in these warmer months and make note of any changes in temperature or air flow coming from your air conditioner before a small problem becomes a large one. When you catch these problems early, you can contact your local A/C repair technician and they can help you assess your issues and hopefully a replacement A/C unit won’t be necessary.

If you’re facing air conditioning problems in the Salt Lake valley, 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help answer any questions you may have and send out one of our trustworthy technicians to check out your HVAC unit in a timely manner. Simply call us at (801) 477-5818 to speak to one of our friendly staff members to get scheduled for a visit soon. You can also contact us by filling out the contact form located here .

6 Signs That Your Furnace is Going Out

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:27:20 GMT

During cold, winter months here in Utah, you rely on your furnace to keep your home and family warm. The last thing you want is to wake up on an extremely cold night and realize that the house is freezing, and the furnace has stopped working. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your furnace when it’s giving you signs that it’s having trouble working correctly and get professional help, if needed. Below we’ve put together a list of 6 signs that your furnace is going out. Pay close attention to see if you notice any of these issues in your home.

1. Aging Furnace

The average lifespan of a furnace is approximately 10-20 years. When your HVAC is over ten years old, it’s important you pay attention to how it’s performing. For instance, if your furnace starts to make strange noises, this may be cause for concern. Listen for banging, rattling, or popping sounds.

If you’re unsure of the age of your furnace, check the manual if you have it. You can also look for a serial number and contact the manufacturer to help you determine the date. If you find your HVAC unit is on its final few years of life, it’s a good idea to contact your local Furnace Repair company to start your research on new models.

3. Abnormal Amounts of Dust

Dust in your home is a normal part of living. But when you notice the dust is increasing, and no matter how much you dust and clean it keeps reappearing, your furnace is possibly the culprit. First you should check your furnace filter. If it’s dirty, clean or replace it. Filters should be changed every 1-2 months. If you have maintained the unit correctly and there is still large amounts of dust in your home, your furnace isn’t doing its job correctly to remove the airborne particles from the warmed air.

4. Your Home isn’t Warm

When you’re cold inside your home even when you’ve got the heater on and running, this is probably the most obvious sign your furnace isn’t working correctly. Instead of running to the thermostat and bumping up the temperature, check to ensure the thermostat is working correctly in the first place.

The next thing you should check is your pilot light. Is it lit? If it isn’t lit, light it and make sure your unit is pushing warm air through it. If nothing you’ve tried is working and your house is still cold, you should consider contacting a furnace repair company to inspect your HVAC unit.

2. Higher Utility Bills

Oftentimes homeowners see a utility bill that is higher than normal and assume it’s a reflection of the fluctuation in temperatures. If you begin to see your utility bills growing, it can be the result of an HVAC unit that has lost its efficiency. Well-maintained, newer furnaces typically perform at a peak efficiency level, but as mentioned above, older units don’t.

Depending on the issue, you may be able to have a local furnace repair company fix the problem. But if you can’t fix the furnace, replacing your unit may be a better solution than trying to repair an older unit.

5. Odd Smells

Furnaces typically smell like the fuel they use, especially when they first turn on in the cold fall evenings for the first time. As the HVAC unit runs, those orders dissipate. If you notice a strong smell of fuel near the furnace or an odor suddenly appears and doesn’t go away over time, you may have an issue with your furnace.

There are many various things that can cause these odd smells, from excessive dust inside the unit or a gas leak. If you notice these odd smells and can’t determine the cause, contact your local HVAC furnace repair company for help in identifying the cause.

6. Discolored Pilot Light

A healthy pilot light is typically flickering in a blue color. This is because natural gas is primarily made of the chemical compound methane, which turns blue. When you notice that the pilot light is a different color, especially yellow, this could mean you have a ventilation problem.

A pilot light changing color comes when gases like carbon monoxide don’t disintegrate like they are supposed to. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems for your you and your family and can even make your HVAC unit more combustible if it’s not addressed.

Your home is a big investment, and you want to enjoy it during the winter months while feeling warm and safe. After reviewing these signs above, are there any signs that apply to your home’s furnace? If one or more of these signs are currently a problem, it may be time to contact your local HVAC service company. Signs like these we’ve listed above shouldn’t be ignored, because when furnace issues are caught early, it could save you money and headaches in the long run.

Contact the expert technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air if you are experiencing of these signs and ask for one of our qualified HVAC technicians to assess your problem. Whether you need minor or major repairs to your current furnace, or you are in need of a new furnace or a new thermostat, we are here to help. We’ve been servicing the Salt Lake valley for over 25 years, and there’s a reason why we’ve received over 300 5-star reviews. We look forward to speaking to you and helping with all of your HVAC needs.

9 Leading Causes for Clogged Drains

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 07:22:40 GMT

One of the most common reasons people call a plumber is a clogged drain. Toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs each have the potential to clog, and when you see water rising instead of draining, you may begin to panic. Clogs can cause bigger problems such as flooding, corrosion, and sewer line backups, none of which is welcome in your home. So, what causes drains to clog? Lots of things. We’ve put together this list of the 9 leading causes for clogged drains to help you better understand why clogs happen and what to do if they happen to you in your home.

1. Hair

Hair clogs are very common in homes. Everyone has hair, and that hair needs to be either washed or shaved, and the daily showering or shaving means hair is being rinsed down the drain. Those small bits of hair flushing down the drain may seem minor at the time, but the accumulation of hair builds up and disgusting clogs form. Over time, that clogged drain will lead to slow to drain or standing water.

To avoid these clogs, take precautionary measures and reduce the amount of hair that enters the drain in the first place. You can find a drain cover at most home improvement stores to place over your bathtub or shower drain to catch the hair. This one small addition can drastically help reduce the chances of hair clogging and eliminate the need for drain cleaning.

3. Mineral Buildup

If you have hard water, it can cause the minerals in the water to build up along the walls of the pipes in your home. The dissolved magnesium and calcium in water hardens as it sits in your pipes, reducing the outlet in the pipe. Hydro jetting is a form of drain cleaning that works well in clearing mineral deposits and other blockages. Another option to resolve this issue is to install a water softener in your home.

4. Grease

Similar to hair, grease doesn’t cause a clogged drain immediately. This makes it easy to be careless when you are cleaning up after cooking and let the grease go down the drain. Fatty oil residue collects on the sides of kitchen pipes, and it’s only a matter of time until the pipes can no longer allow liquids to drain.

Here in Salt Lake City, temperatures can get quite cold, and this will cause those greasy oils to thicken and block pipes much easier, so it’s best just to avoid washing grease down your kitchen sink at all. Drain cleaning by a qualified plumber can help clear these difficult grease clogs.

2. Soap

Believe it or not, most soaps are made by mixing animal fat with lye. Bar soap needs this hydrogenated fat to be turned into a solid, bar form. When the fat mixes with water minerals, it forms soap scum, and this soap scum can cause a clogged drain. If you notice that your soap bar is leaving large amounts of soap scum in your bathtub or shower, consider using liquid soap, which contains no animal fat.

5. Food Scraps

We mentioned above that grease can cause your pipes to clog, but it’s important for us to note that certain food scraps can also cause clogged drains in your home. Starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta, and rice can quickly plug your pipes, and so can fibrous fruits and vegetables. These items should be placed in a garbage can.

The truth is most household garbage disposals can only handle small amounts of food scraps. You should never put coffee grounds or eggshells in your garbage disposal, either. Consider taking these food scraps and composting them.

6. Roots

If you have trees or bushes planted around your home, especially if they’re older, the root systems from these plantings can easily penetrate through the ground and block pipes. Unlike hair or grease, this blockage isn’t as easy to see with the naked eye. Your local Salt Lake City plumber can run a camera through your pipes to help identify if roots are causing your pipes to clog.

7. Toiletries

If you’ve noticed your toilet having flushing and draining issues, you could have a sewer pipe clog. It’s common these days for people to flush feminine hygiene products, sanitary products, and baby wipes. Most of the products shouldn’t be flushed and will cause drain blockages, because each of these products double in size when they absorb water.

The good news is your friendly Salt Lake City plumber can help you with sewer line cleaning to remove these products. It’s important to state that if you have flushed these products before, you never should put them down the drain again. Dispose of these toiletries in the garbage.

8. Foreign Objects

If you have children, you know that it’s common to find kids toys everywhere throughout your home—and this can include drains. Small toys can easily fit down bathtub drains, and some not-so-small toys can even be flushed down the toilet. These objects can create an obstruction in the drain and lead to serious clogs.

To prevent this happening in bathtubs and sinks, install a drain cover to catch these items quickly. If a toy is stuck in the toilet drain, call your local plumber to inspect where the object got stuck—they can perform sewer line cleaning if needed.

9. Heavy Rain

Here in Utah, we can have heavy rain that falls during a thunderstorm. These heavy rains can easily cause drain blockages by bringing foreign objects into the drain system. Leaves, debris, any of these objects can build up in the sewer line and can cause clogs in the system. If it’s raining and you notice dirty water coming up into your sink or shower, contact your local plumber immediately.

Remember that it’s essential to keep your drains clear and in good working condition to prevent drain clogs in your home. If you’re experiencing a drain clog and you need drain cleaning help, reach out to our trusted plumbers at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air for expert assistance. Our trustworthy plumbers are here to help you with all of your plumbing problems.

5 Traits of a Good Plumbing Company

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 07:46:41 GMT

Any time you ask an outside contractor to come into your home to perform services, you want to make sure you’ve chosen a highly qualified, reputable company who will work hard for you and your home. After all, you’re inviting their employees into your home, and you want to feel safe and well taken care of. So, what are the traits of a good plumbing company? We’ve compiled a list of traits for you to look for as you’re looking for Salt Lake City plumbing repair, so you can feel good about your choice in a plumber.

1. Experience

Just like you wouldn’t want someone performing surgery on you who isn’t medically qualified, you don’t want to choose someone to work on the plumbing in your home who isn’t experienced with various plumbing issues that can arise. The best plumbers in Salt Lake City will have the right equipment and the right knowledge to solve most plumbing issues.

One way you can judge a plumbing contractor in Salt Lake City is to check their online reviews. If high numbers of customers are leaving 5-star reviews with messages singing the praises of the technicians and the company, you can be assured they’re skilled plumbers in Salt Lake City. Reviews are a big way to validate the experience of the organization and its team members, which leads us to trait number two:

3. Punctuality

Your time is important, and your Salt Lake City plumbing repair technician should respect it—which means being on time. Lots of plumbing companies give a window of service their technicians will arrive to your home, but a good plumbing contractor in Salt Lake City will set a precise time and arrive on time or early. Just because you’re needing service in your home, it doesn’t mean you need to be available all day from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, waiting for plumbers to arrive.

If by rare chance the plumber can’t make it to your house on time, a quality professional Salt Lake City plumbing repair company will make sure to call ahead of time. When a company shows this type of professionalism, it shows you are working with a plumbing Salt Lake City company who values you as a customer.

4. Provide Estimates

When you’re anxious about a repair that needs to happen in your home, there’s nothing worse than an open-ended plumbing repair bill. Plumbing contractors in Salt Lake City should be able to provide any potential customer with an estimate of the work they recommend. This gives the homeowner time to decide on the upcoming repairs and look for additional estimates if they find that necessary.

Part of receiving an accurate estimate is understanding the rationale behind the price. The best plumbers in Salt Lake City put all of this information together and explain the estimate to their customers in detail, if needed. If you receive an estimate without any justification about the need or the why, you may not be dealing with a reputable plumbing contractor in Salt Lake City.

2. Reputation

What people say about a plumbing Salt Lake City company is worth its weight in gold. As we mentioned earlier, reviews are an easy way for you to learn a lot about the plumbing contractor Salt Lake City. It’s important they are providing only the best service to their customers and that their customers are comfortable enough to leave reviews. When a customer is over-the-top happy with the plumbing services that they received, they want to share their good experience with everyone. So check out those reviews on their website, on Google, and on social media.

Another way to evaluate the reputation of a Salt Lake City plumbing repair company is to pay attention to what their current and past employees and technicians say about their employer. A reputable plumber in Salt Lake City will treat their employees as good as they treat their customers.

5. Friendly

The way a plumber behaves can reveal a lot about the person and the plumbing Salt Lake City company. When the plumbing contractor creates a friendly environment in the workplace, those attitudes carry forward into their customer’s homes. The best plumbers in Salt Lake City put their customers at ease and give them workable solutions, no matter the severity of the problem.

Customers feel comfortable with friendly, knowledgeable plumbers Salt Lake City. A reputable company won’t pressure you into making decisions or spending money. Instead, they’ll offer their opinions and inform you on your options, but they’ll leave the decisions up to you.

If a Salt Lake City plumbing repair company is friendly and honest, their customers will keep returning to them for all of their plumbing needs, and they’re happy to share their experiences with friends and others.

Now that you understand the important traits of a good plumbing company, you can hire a plumber in Salt Lake City without second guessing yourself and if you’re selecting the right plumber for your home. The quality plumbers at 1st America Plumbing, Heating and Air are here to answer any questions you might have about any upcoming plumbing repairs inside your home.

Whether you’re replacing a water heater , installing a water softner , or you’re considering hydro jetting your plumbing drains to clear them of debris, 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air can help you with all of your plumbing needs. Feel free to reach out to us at (801) 477-5818 , or reach out to us by filling out our contact us form here .

We look forward to helping your with your plumbing needs and building a long-standing relationship as your plumber Salt Lake City .

5 DIY AC Repair Tips

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 02:48:31 GMT

When the hot Utah temperatures reach into the triple digits, the last thing you want as a homeowner is for your air conditioner to break down or stop working. If you suddenly find yourself having air conditioning issues, your first thought may be to look up AC Repair in Salt Lake City .

Before you pick up the phone, you should know that you have a lot of options and you can tackle the troubleshooting on your own prior to having a technician visit your home. Below, we’re sharing 5 DIY AC repair tips for homeowners to follow when you’re experiencing issues with your AC before calling for help.

Check the Thermostat

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home like it should, first check your thermostat. Homeowners typically set the thermostat and forget about it, but sometimes the thermostat can return to the original settings. Make sure it’s set below the room temperature and see if the air kicks on. If it doesn’t, a quick reset can sometimes fix the cooling issue quickly.

Old batteries may also be what’s causing your thermostat not to work correctly, so be sure you swap out the batteries for new ones. Make sure dead batteries aren’t the problem before you call for HVAC services in Salt Lake City .

Replace the Air Filter

Changing the air filter for your HVAC Salt Lake City system is by far the most important thing you can do regularly to keep your system running efficiently. The filter is what regulates the air that comes into your home and air particles, dust and dander get trapped in that filter. If you’re not changing your filter regularly, you’re risking build up in the filter and your AC unit must overwork to push air into your home.

Heating and air Salt Lake City technicians will tell you that the life length of your unit will decrease if you don’t replace your air filter often, which will have you replacing your unit sooner than you should. Set a reminder to replace your air filter monthly and take care of this task easily.

If your unit has to work extra hard to push air into the home, your system could ice up from having to perform longer, and this will affect the unit’s cooling efficiency and leads us to the next tip…

Check for Ice

If your HVAC Salt Lake City unit ices up, turn off the system and keep the fan running. When the fan continues to run, it will melt the ice quicker than if you turn off the unit all together. Our 1st American heating and air Salt Lake City technicians recommend waiting an hour or two to try running the system again. This will allow time for all of the ice to melt.

If you notice that the ice begins building up again, you may need to find an HVAC services Salt Lake City technician, because you may be dealing with a bigger problem. Low refrigerant levels, blocked drains or dirty coils could be the issue.

Inspect the Circuit Breaker

If the power to your HVAC unit has completely stopped, take a moment to check out your circuit breaker. You’ll typically find the breaker in the main electrical panel, and the circuit breaker controls the power going into your house. If the breaker can’t handle the excess load, it trips and turns the power off. This can happen because of the number of appliances or extra pieces of electric items connected to the same breaker.

Before you look for AC repair in Salt Lake City, this quick inspection could help you simply resolve your issue. But if you’re experiencing this problem often, it could mean there’s a short in the system. A heating and air Salt Lake City company can help you fix the issue.

Clean the Condensation Line

To keep your house cool, the heating and air Salt Lake City system’s air conditioning component removes the moisture in the air to lower the humidity inside your home through a condensation line. This line moves the moisture to outside your home, which is where you’ll see water dripping at times. Over time, algae and mildew can build up in the line and possibly clog the tube.

When the condensation line is clogged, the water backs up and can build up inside the air conditioning unit, causing the system to not work correctly. To keep the line clean, pour a cup of bleach into the access opening in the drain line near the HVAC Salt Lake City unit to kill any mold or algae. Let it sit for a minute, then use a wet-dry vac to clear the clog from the line.

HVAC Still Not Working?

If you’ve tried the five steps above and your HVAC Salt Lake City is still not working the way it should, then it may be time to look for HVAC services in Salt Lake City. It may be time for you to make some important decisions about repairing or replacing your air conditioner. The expert technicians at 1st American Plumbing Heating and Air can come to your home and help you isolate and solve any issues you’re having with your system. Our technicians are trustworthy and experts in their fields, and they can give you lots of replacement or repair options to meet your needs.

We’ve been in business for over 25 years, providing AC Repair in Salt Lake City to many trusted customers. There’s a reason we have so many 5-star reviews on Google —we’re on time, friendly, and we’ll fix the problems you’re having with your system, leaving you satisfied in our services and products.

7 Tips for New Homeowners

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 03:01:59 GMT

Moving into a new home is such an exciting time. There’s lots of plans to make, deciding where to put furniture and how to decorate, but there is lots of responsibility that comes with homeownership as well. You want your home to be a beautiful and safe place to live, and as a new homeowner, you’ll want to fix any issues you have. Those include minor plumbing problems. To help you as you start your homeowner journey, we’ve put together 7 tips for new homeowners below:

1. Understand the Signs of a Water Leak

Water leaking can cause a lot of damage if they aren’t identified early, so understanding what a water leak looks like is very important for you as a new homeowner. Signs to look for include dripping sounds, discolored ceilings or walls, bubbling paint, and damp sheetrock. Another way to identify a leak is by paying attention to your water bills—if you see an abnormally high amount, it’s likely you have a leak somewhere in your home.

3. Clean Drains to Prevent Clogging

Lots of items can block drains inside a home, things like soap, hair, grease, and oil. If you aren’t careful, these items can cause clogs in your plumbing and cause major problems down the road. If you’ve purchased an existing home with previous homeowners, you may have already inherited clogged drains, which is why it’s important to clean the drains first to prevent future clogs.

You can use a plunger to push current clogs down the drain or call a plumber to clean the drains to give you a fresh start in your home.

4. Weatherproof the Pipes

Here in Utah, we can experience some very cold winters, and some homeowners are left to deal with pipes freezing. Frozen pipes can be dangerous and bursting pipes can happen, which leaves you as a new homeowner with maximum damage to clean up and repair.

To avoid this, consider insulating your pipes, especially those on external walls, with heating tape, fiberglass, or foam insulation to avoid pipe freezing. Opening cabinets and turning on the faucet to a slow drip on extra cold nights can also help.

2. Know Where to Shut Off the Main Water Valve

If you see a water leak inside your new home, it’s important to understand where your water shutoff valve is located. It’s very important that you shut off the water and stop the flow right away to save you precious time and money. Even if the leak is minor, turn off the water so the leak stops immediately to give you time to examine the problem or call in a plumber for more help.

5. Learn Basic Plumbing Maintenance

Basic parts of toilets and faucets wear out over time—the toilet flapper gets worn out as do washers in faucets. As they wear down, toilets begin to run, and faucets start to leak. Some homeowners look at these small leaks as unimportant items, but the wasted water isn’t good for the environment, and they are also money wasters.

Each of these basic parts are easily replaceable and not something to be intimidated by. You can pick up basic plumbing parts at your local home maintenance store, and you only need basic skills to replace these items.

6. Respect Your Garbage Disposal

If you’re a homeowner who is lucky enough to have a garbage disposal in your home, it’s important you understand how to use it correctly. Materials like eggshells, fats, greases and oils, or starchy items such as pastas or potatoes should never be processed through your garbage disposal. Each of these items can cause clogs, so be sure you’re clearing clogs often if they happen.

When you flush items down your disposal, you should run cold water down the drain as you turn on and run the disposal. To keep the blades sharp, put some ice cubes in the disposal periodically and run it.

7. Have a Plumbing Kit Ready

Now that you’re a homeowner, you should always have a basic plumbing kit ready. This kit should include items such as a plunger to unclog drains, a small drain snake to clear hair clogs easily, heavy duty towels to clean up leaks, duct tape to put around leaks in a pinch before you call a plumber. Having this kit handy can help you quickly when you’re dealing with minor plumbing issues.

If you’ve followed these tips above and are still having issues with your plumbing, the expert technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help. Homeownership is exciting, and your home is a big investment, and a plumbing issue is something you don’t want to ignore. Take care of it the right way. Call our offices at (801) 477-5818 for help, and we’ll send one of our trusted technicians to assist you.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Toilet

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 03:23:47 GMT

Regular toilet cleaning timelines differ from household to household. Some people include cleaning their toilets in their weekly cleaning routine, while others only bother to pull out their scrubber when the toilet shows visible dirt or grime. Cleaning a toilet really isn’t as difficult as some people make it out to be, and there are important things to pay attention to as you shine up your household commode. Below we’ve listed a few dos and don’ts of cleaning your toilet that every homeowner should follow.

Do: Clean Your Toilet Weekly

Although your toilet may look clean to the naked eye, trust us when we say it’s not. As we mentioned above, bacteria and mold love a damp toilet bowl. If you have multiple people living with you, your toilet is probably the most used seat in your home! Because of the repetitive use, you should clean the toilet weekly, if not a few times a week. Toilets get grimy quickly, and you want to make sure you tackle any dirt or bacteria before you can even see it.

Do: Invest in Quality Cleaning Products

Just like you need to purchase a new toothbrush often for your mouth, an over-the-hill toilet brush isn’t something you should keep in your closet for years and continually use it to clean multiple toilets in your home. Rotate out the old and bring in a new brush every 3-6 months to keep your cleaning tools ship-shape. Use a quality toilet-bowl specific cleaning spray and scrub well inside the bowl and under the rim.

Don’t: Use Toilet Cleaning Tablets

You know what they say—if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. The idea of toilet cleaning tablets, the kind you put in the toilet bowl and forget, is great at first, but they contain harmful, caustic chemicals and aren’t good for your plumbing . These tablets (bleaching or blue) sit in your toilet bowl and can eat away at important parts of your toilet, leaving your plumbing needing major repairs. Regular cleanings the old-fashioned way—cleaner, a good brush, and a little elbow grease—are the best thing for your toilet.

Don’t: Ignore Your Toilet

Avoiding your toilet except for your regular “visits” to the throne will inevitably leave you dealing with multiple issues in the long run. If you aren’t cleaning out your toilet bowl, mineral stains can occur, which traps dirt and bacteria, all of which can gather and be built up over time. If you choose to ignore these stains, mold growth is another issue you’ll be dealing with because of all the bacteria in your bowl.

Do: Clean the Exterior of the Toilet

When you’re performing your regular cleaning of your toilet bowl, always include the toilet exterior, seat and lid as part of your disinfecting routine. Select an exterior cleaner that kills bacteria and germs, and scrub down the exterior bowl from top to bottom with a sponge or rag. Use a new towelette to sanitize the seat and lid, because these are often overlooked areas of a toilet. Once you’ve finished cleaning the exterior, dispose of your towelette or wash your sponge or rag so you don’t spread germs the next time.

Don’t: Use Flushable Wipes

Here is a list of potential cleaning items that you shouldn’t be flushing down your toilet. Your plumbing and septic systems will last longer, and you’ll prevent a potential backup from occurring.

Flushable” wipes (Trust us, they’re not flushable.)
Paper towels
Napkins
Cloth products
Cotton balls and swabs

Have you been ignoring your toilet more than you should? Did our dos and don’ts of cleaning your toilet tips help you understand how important it is to take care of cleaning on a regular basis? Cleaning your toilet isn’t as difficult as you might think. If you have questions, or you need an experienced plumber to inspect your toilet to see if your issues are bigger than a typical cleaning will fix, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air . Our qualified technicians are here to help answer any questions you may have.

7 Signs That Your Air Conditioner Is Failing

Mon, 23 May 2022 03:29:02 GMT

The hot summer months in Utah are on their way. When the outdoor temps get close to that century mark, homeowners depend on their HVAC unit to keep them cool and comfortable. If your air conditioner fails, you’re sure to experience a few miserable days or weeks until you’re lucky enough to find someone to help with your air conditioner issues.

One way to avoid the risk of being overheated in your home is to keep your eyes open and watch for signs your air conditioner could be failing. Here are seven signs to watch for.

Funny Smells

If you’re noticing funny smells coming from your vents, especially if they are long-lasting, your air conditioner could be experiencing some issues. These smells could be moldy, musty, rotten or a burning smell. Your outdoor compressor could be the culprit of these smells.

Odd smells could be from multiple possible causes, but it’s critically important if you smell chemical smells to contact your local HVAC company immediately. This could be an indicator that you have a leak that could be toxic.

Strange Noises

Air conditioning units typically make low-level noises when they’re starting up or shutting down. But if you’re hearing sudden loud or odd noises coming from your unit, this can signal big problems could be ahead with your cooling system.

When you hear any rattles or buzzing noises, this could mean there’s a loose part. If you hear a whistle or grinding noise, this could indicate a more serious issue, and that type of issue won’t just disappear on its own. When you hear these noises, it’s important you contact service professionals immediately to determine if your unit needs a tune-up or if something more serious is going on.

Inconsistent Temperatures

Your home’s temperature should be consistent from room to room unless you have a multi-zone HVAC system. When you notice one room cool and the next room is warm, there’s a chance you have a problem with your AC system.

If the issue is insufficient airflow to certain rooms, this could mean there could be a blockage preventing air from moving through your ductwork. But it could also mean something more seriously is going on with your system.

High Humidity

The hot spring and summer months can feel sticky and uncomfortable. But no one wants to experience high humidity inside. AC units, if they’re working correctly, should moderate humidity levels in your home automatically.

When your air conditioner can’t keep moisture levels low and comfortable, you need a cooling system repair. Your local experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air can help you identify if your system needs recalibration or if you should consider a whole-house dehumidifier.

Incorrect Thermostat

If you notice that the temperature in your home isn’t matching up with the temperature listed on your thermostat , you should first examine your thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly—perhaps it isn’t programmed correctly.

But if all seems well with the thermostat, test it by turning it all the way down and see if the air conditioning unit comes on. If it doesn’t, the issue is with your cooling system, not the thermostat. You should contact your local service professionals immediately.

Big Increases in Power Bill

When your monthly power bill comes and you see a big increase out of the blue, you’ll want to check your HVAC unit. You should do this especially if you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above.

If you can trace the increase in power usage to your air conditioner, it could mean that your system is needing to work all the time to keep up with the cooling. This is a huge waste of energy, and it’s also putting extra stress on your air conditioning unit. When your unit needs to work this hard, it won’t last as long as it should and leave you needing to replace the entire unit prematurely.

Power Instabilities

Is your air conditioning unit turning on and off erratically throughout the day? It could be possible that your HVAC unit isn’t getting enough power supply to keep working as it should. This requires an immediate repair, because it could affect your breakers or your entire power system in your home.

Another reason this could be happening is because your cooling system could be overheating. Once the unit cools down, your power goes back to normal. This will happen over and over, and down the line, it could be a fire hazard. Don’t ignore the power issues and contact your local professionals at 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air immediately.

When an air conditioning unit goes down in the hot summer months, it’s not a pleasant experience for any homeowner. Paying close attention to these signs we mentioned above and scheduling regular maintenance for your system can help you avoid a dreaded outage. The expert technicians at 1st American are here to help, so contact us today at (801) 477-5818 to help you with all of your air conditioner repair or replacement needs.

DIY Water Damage and Flood Restoration Cleanup

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 03:32:43 GMT

One of the most traumatic things you can experience as a homeowner is extreme damage to your home from an event such as flooding. Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ve ever made, and it contains most, if not all, of your property. Besides the immediate damage to your home and personal belongings, flooding in a residence can also expose you and your home to environmental hazards like mold, so you want to be sure you’re handling the cleanup thoroughly and correctly.

Below, we discuss how to address issues in your home if you’ve experienced a leak or flood, and what to do so your insurance claim and cleanup are handled effectively.

Act Quickly

When you discover a leak in your home, the most important thing is that you act quickly. Leaks can occur because of broken or corroded pipes, appliance issues or defective construction related issues, and if you choose to ignore them, your home could experience flooding or major damage.

If you are dealing with flood or water damage in your home due to a plumbing issue, immediately turn off the emergency main water shutoff to prevent further damage as long as it’s safe to enter your home, then contact someone for restoration help .

File an Insurance Claim

Once you’ve documented all of the damage, it’s time to report the flood and damages to your home insurance company. If the flood was caused by a natural disaster, and you have flood insurance, you’ll get the financial help you need from your insurance company. Any flooding caused by a broken pipe, sewer backup or appliances should be covered as well.

Your insurance company will rely on the photos and the descriptions you documented in the step above to determine replacement, so be as thorough as you can.

Get Professional Cleanup Help

The cleanup in your home should happen immediately. Waiting can cause mold and mildew growth in your home, which will require professional services to clean up the mess correctly. When you contact the professionals at 1st American Heating and Air, we can help you identify where the leak began and have our professional partners handle all of the cleanup. This includes:

Removing Personal Belongings
Your damaged personal items need to be removed and safely stored until your home repair process is complete. If they are salvageable, your belongings will be stored at a secure facility and reset after the mitigation and reconstruction process has been completed.
InfraRed Review
We use Forward Looking InfraRed equipment to see temperature fluctuations behind drywall to identify additional leaks so we can repair any issues that are unseen.
Extract Moisture
Your home will be cleaned with commercial grade dehumidifiers, to ensure the moisture is extracted from affected areas.
Safely Clean the Space
Commercial Grade HEPA Air Scrubbers are used to remove dangerous airborne particles such as mildew and mold spores.
Air Quality Testing
Thorough Air Quality Testing will verify that the property is “safe” to return to even before the restoration process is complete.
Antimicrobial Treatment
An antimicrobial treatment is applied to the space to prevent dangerous microbial growth on structural items that weren’t removed during demo.

No matter what the reason is for your home experiencing flooding, it’s never easy to go through. But working with professionals can definitely make the process easier. If you’ve experienced flooding in your home due to a plumbing issue, 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air can help. Contact them today by calling (801) 477-5818 .

Document the Damage

Don’t start cleaning up your soaked belongings immediately after discovering the water damage. If it’s safe, take photos and make note of all items and details of the flooding for the insurance company. The more thorough you can be, the more likely your insurance claim will be accepted. Going through a professional mitigation company will increase your chances as well, because they have experience documenting this type of situation.

Pay attention to walls and floors—if you see damage, this is an indicator of structural damage, and you shouldn’t enter your home. These areas are at risk of collapse, and you want to stay safe.

6 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 03:40:27 GMT

Toilets are important fixtures in a home, and they’re used often by multiple members in a household. While we would all like it if toilets lasted forever and never needing replacing, that’s just not true. Toilets last an average of 10-15 years, and if you’re experiencing issues with your toilet, that could be sooner. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your toilet? We’ve gathered a list below detailing six important signs that it’s time to change out your old toilet for a new one.

Continual Clogging

Clogs in your toilet can be messy, frustrating and even stressful. While random clogs can happen on occasion, recurring clogs that happen regularly are a sure sign something bigger is going on. It could mean there’s something more than a small toy or too much toilet paper blocking the water, and it’s time to call in a professional.

Also, older low-flush toilets don’t move materials through the pipes easily so frequent stoppages are more common. Mineral deposits could also be building up, which slows water flow and draining. New models of toilets have been created with much better technology and water savings have been highly improved so flushing is more consistent and less troublesome.

Cracks and Leaks

Invisible hairline cracks, bad seals and small leaks in your toilet can often go unnoticed. But once water begins gathering around the base of the toilet, the flooring can soften and floor damage can happen.

Porcelain is a sturdy material, but it can still wear down. If you see even a small amount of water at the base of your toilet, check it out immediately. If the leak becomes constant, a new toilet should be in your future.

Old in Age

In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency passed the Energy Policy Act that requires residential toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons of water for each flush. Today’s low flow toilets use approximately half of that amount.

If you’re environmentally conscious, replace your toilet to save on water usage. There are many homeowners that still have older models in their homes, and it’s wasteful plus costly. A new toilet can save 2 or more gallons per flush than an old one, so schedule to get a replacement soon.

No Longer Flushing

If your toilet doesn’t flush like it used to, there are a few things you should check out. First, check the handle to ensure it’s attached to the flapper. As you depress the handle, the chain lifts the flapper and water should rush through the bowl.

Check these items first. If you find that the internal parts are working correctly and your toilet still won’t flush, it could be time to replace your toilet . Remember that toilets aren’t meant to last forever.

Constant Running

When your toilet constantly runs, the common culprit is an old flapper or the float isn’t set correctly. It could also mean you have a water leak somewhere and the toilet needs to be checked more thoroughly.

When you’ve checked the flapper and float and still experience the running noise day and night, call our experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air as soon as you can. The constant running will be an expensive problem until you replace your toilet.

Wobbling

When a toilet wobbles as you sit on it, there could a few reasons behind the rocking. The first reason could be that the screws at the base of the bowl have become loose. Tightening the screws could fix the issue quickly.

A more serious reason toilets wobble is because of water damage that has occurred in the floor beneath the toilet. This causes screws to not hold the bowl tight to the floor. If you can’t determine the reason behind the wobble, you may need a new toilet.

Each person in a home uses the toilet 6-8 times per day. So you need your toilet to be dependable and working correctly. If your toilet requires a few repairs, that can be normal. But when those repairs occur more frequently, this could be a signal that you should call your local plumber. The expert technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air will come to your home and investigate your toilet troubles.

Call us at (801) 477-5818 and schedule your service today.

7 Signs That Your Water Heater Might Be Failing

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 03:48:14 GMT

Your water heater is a plumbing fixture in your home that you probably don’t pay much attention to. Unlike your faucets or shower, which you turn on and off daily, your water heater works behind the scenes for you. If your water heater starts failing, you may not recognize some of the warning signs as quickly as you should.

Before you get left standing literally in the cold, freezing during your morning shower because your water heater isn’t working correctly, check out this list of 7 signs that your water heater might be failing you.

Not Enough Hot Water

Your water heater has two heating elements in the unit and heats multiple gallons of water at any time. A typical hot water heater can output 30-40 minutes of hot water before needing to refill and reheat.

If you find that you’re not getting near that amount of hot water from your water heater, it’s highly possible that one of your heating elements isn’t working correctly. Run a test and time the number of minutes it takes to run out of hot water. If it’s less than 30, contact the specialists at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air , and we’ll send someone out to inspect your water tank for you.

Discolored Water Coming from Faucets

When the color of water coming from your faucets is anything but clear, it should be a cause for concern. Sedimentation in your hot water tank can cause your water to appear orange or brown, which could be a health hazard.

Contact a qualified plumber immediately and ask if they can come and examine your water heater. Your tank may need cleaning, or it may be time to replace your water heater.

Odd Noises Coming from the Heater

Small noises coming from your water heater can be perfectly normal. If you start to hear sounds like tapping or knocking coming from your water heater, it’s likely you have sediment buildup in the tank. This buildup can cause small tears and cracks in the metal tank, causing it to leak, which could cause damage to your home and end up being very costly.

If you’re concerned about the noises coming from your water heater, contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air to evaluate your tank. It may only require a tank flush and a minor cleaning.

Inconsistent Water Temperature

Fluctuating water temperature is a good indication that something is going wrong with your water heater. This typically stems from the accumulation of mineral deposits over time. These mineral deposits cover the heating element, making heating the water more difficult than it should be.

If your unit is fairly new, the experts from 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can repair your water heater. But if it’s an older model, you’re most likely better off replacing your tank. Call our experts today if you need a recommendation of what to do.

Water Leaking from the Tank

As we mentioned above, noise causes cracks and tears in your water heating tank. When these cracks and tears occur, water leaks from the tank. These leaks can be small, and often unnoticeable, but other times they can be large and flood your home quickly.

If you happen to notice a small leak, have it repaired quickly. Ignoring even the smallest amount of water pooling at the base of your water heater could mean a bigger problem is lurking.

Low Water Pressure

If the sediment and minerals are building up in your water heater, the inside of your water tank could be corroding. All of this corrosion eventually settles near the bottom of the tank, but sometimes the sediment can get pulled up into the water supply line and will cause a blockage. This blockage lowers the water pressure that’s being output.

Also, the older your water heater, the more likely it is that you will experience low water pressure.

Age of Water Heater

If your water heater is more than 10 years old and your water heater is showing any of these signs above, it’s probably time to replace it. Most water heaters last ten to fifteen years. If you’ve got a lot of people who use water in your home, that lifespan could be shorter.

If you’re experiencing at least one or more of these signs above, you should contact the experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air at (801) 477-5818 or by filling out this online form . Not only are our expert technicians the most trusted in the valley, but we will respond to you in a timely manner and get you on our schedule as soon as we can.

Why Winter is the Best Time to Remodel a Bathroom or Kitchen

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 03:53:42 GMT

When the warmer months of spring and summer come around, most homeowners can catch the remodel bug. Naturally, this seems like the best time to undertake big projects like a kitchen or bathroom remodel–the weather is nice and construction is booming. But did you know that many home experts recommend kitchen and bathroom remodels take place during the winter?

If you think that winter is an unusual time to take on these big projects, keep reading. In this article, we go over some of the top reasons winter is the best time to plan for your new kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Why Choose Winter for a Remodel

In the warmer months, contractors and their teams work from dawn until dusk. Timelines are often pushed, and projects can run behind schedule. Top contractors can be booked out for months. If you’ve got a kitchen or bathroom remodel you’re planning during these busy seasons, your chances of getting the contractor you want may be slim to none.

Lower Priced Materials

When building slows during the winter months, materials such as lumber, tile and appliances tend to drop in price. The hectic summer months deplete supplies, so prices rise because of lack of availability. Planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel for the winter will help you cut back on costs, saving you hundreds to thousands.

Quicker Approvals

Local governments expect contractors and builders to follow clear standards when they’re taking on construction projects. These keep worksites safe, ensuring teams adhere to regulations and specifications. During warm months, these government agencies get bogged in processing permits, which will delay your remodel. If you’re doing the work in the winter, you will get approvals quicker.

Project Completed Faster

As we mentioned above, timelines in the spring and summer can be hectic for contractors, suppliers and their teams. When you’re working on a kitchen or a bathroom remodel in the winter, there’s a better chance that your project will get completed on time or maybe even a little early.

Coordinate with Travel

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in the winter, you should consider doing so during your holiday travel. Afterall, when you and your family are out of your home, this gives contractors more space to work and the mess can get cleaned up before you’re back. Check-ins via Facetime can make the project feel like you’re right in the action.

New Year, New Project

If you’re not a big traveler during the holidays and prefer to entertain at home, you’ll want to delay your kitchen or bathroom remodel for the new year. After your visitors have departed, and the chaos has died down, you can focus solely on the remodel and adding value to your home.

Now that you know winter is the best time to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, it’s time to get ready to plan your project. Here are 4 steps to consider before you jump right in:

1. Write Down Your Wants and Needs

There are many reasons people begin thinking about a remodel. Whether you need more storage space, or want to upgrade your appliances or style, you should first document your wants and needs. Yes, you may want a clean, modern look but does it go with the rest of your home? Or are your kids soon leaving the nest and you’d like the big, 10 head shower you’ve always dreamed of? Write them all down then determine what you can afford.

Contractor Availability

2. Make a Timeline

Now that you’ve determined the winter is the best time for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, start to plan your timeline. Research the details and products you want, and investigate the timing of material arrivals. Custom products tend to take longer to arrive, so you want to be sure everything will be available for your contractor.

3. Create a Budget

Now that you’ve identified what you need for your kitchen or bath remodel, start adding up the items you’ll need in your space. You should have a general idea already how much you can spend on your remodel, so this is an important step. Knowing beforehand what you can spend will help you determine if the sub-zero refrigerator you’ve always wanted is a realistic purchase.

4. Research Contractors and Design Professionals

The most important step in planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel is researching contractors and design professionals. If the steps above start to overwhelm you, these experts are a great resource for you to get your project planning started. They will also help you get your project started and completed on-time and on-budget. Check out local recommendations by asking friends or family, or research reviews online for more information.

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be an exciting time to upgrade your space and make it look like the room you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re looking to do a remodel by updating faucets or fixtures , the experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can help! Contact us by calling (801) 477-5818 or by filling out this form here .

6 Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 04:10:12 GMT

Homeowners rely heavily on hot water in their homes. From laundry to baths, hot water is in high demand, especially when multiple people live in the home. When you have a traditional water heater , you are limited to the amount of hot water in your tank. This requires waiting for the tank to fill and heat again. The cost to heat your water can be one of your largest utility expenses, which is why we recommend considering a tankless water heater.

Traditional tank water heaters continuously use energy to keep the water hot, ready for use. Tankless water heaters only expend energy when a tap or the dishwasher is turned on. These tankless systems are becoming more popular today for many reasons. To help you decide if a tankless water heater is for you, we’ve given you a list of 6 benefits below.

Less Space Requirements

The conventional storage tank water heater holds 40-60 gallons and is on-average 5 feet tall. They take up a good amount of space in your utility room, space that could be better utilized for storage or other things. A tankless water heater is approximately the size of a small suitcase, which means there’s lots of room left for other things.

When you’re selecting a tankless system, take into account the size of your home, the rate of water flow and temperature you prefer, and your household size. You want to make sure you have a large enough system to do the job correctly and you have allotted the right amount of space.

Unlimited Supply of Hot Water

When you’ve got a house full of people, whether it’s visitors for the holidays or you’re blessed with lots of kids, it can put a huge demand on your hot water resources. Between the cleanup of dishes after meals and the numerous showers that are taken each day, your tank water heater will be slowing down and the water will run cold quickly.

Each tankless water heater works by heating the water on-demand from an external source. They don’t use the water in the storage tank. These tankless heaters provide hot water near the rate of 2-5 gallons per minute. As long as there aren’t multiple showers going at the same time, the water should be hot enough for everyone.

Cleaner Water Supply

Standard water heaters can have water sitting in the tank for a long period of time. Sediment buildup and rust contaminants can seep into the water from the interior of the tank. No one wants to bathe or cook with contaminated water.

Since tankless water heaters heat on-demand, the water doesn’t sit in the tank waiting to be used. This keeps the water cleaner and safer for everyone in your home.

Energy and Cost Savings

When a home uses 41 gallons of hot water per day, tankless water heaters can be 24%-34% more energy efficient than traditional water heaters. For homes that use approximately 86 gallons per day, the energy savings can be up to 14% more.

Some homeowners are hesitant to invest in a tankless water heater because of the high cost. Don’t let this be the reason you pass over an on-demand system. They typically have lower operating and energy costs. This is a big offset and can save you money in the long run.

Lower Risk of Leaks and Water Damage

In a tank system, small leaks can happen. No matter how small they are, it most likely means there are big problems going on inside. As we just mentioned above, tankless water heaters heat on-demand. There aren’t dozens of gallons of water sitting in a metal container corroding the tank. Because of this, leaks due to corrosion don’t happen with tankless systems.

Zero Risk of Tank Exploding

Water heaters exploding can be terrifying. The main reason tank water heaters can explode is because of pressure. Sediment buildup, a gas leak, or a poor anode rod can cause excess pressure on those systems. As we mentioned above, tankless water heaters heat on-demand. With no water sitting in a metal container corroding the tank, there’s no risk of leaks.

As you can see, there are lots of advantages of upgrading to a tankless water heater. If you’re in the Salt Lake Valley and want to learn more about tankless water heaters, or if you’re ready to have one installed in your home, the expert technicians at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air would be happy to help you. Contact us at (801) 477-5818 or use our online form here .

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal in 5 Easy Steps

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:13:59 GMT

Fifty percent of homes in the United States have garbage disposals installed in their kitchens. These disposals make clean up in the kitchen much easier, because they take solid food waste and grind it into small particles, turning it into an almost liquid substance.

When there isn’t enough water running into the disposal as it’s being used, or excess grease or foreign objects enter the garbage disposal, the two impellers inside the garbage disposal can stop working and the drainpipe can get backed up. It’s important that you unclog your garbage disposal as soon as you realize it’s clogged, because running the motor without clearing the clogged garbage disposal can burn it out.

Unclogging a garbage disposal can seem intimidating at first, but it’s not as difficult as you may think. Below we’ve detailed how to unclog a garbage disposal in 5 easy steps.

1. Turn off the Power

When you work on anything with an electrical plug, such as a garbage disposal, it’s important to shut off power. There is a switch for your disposal you should turn off. Typically, this is under the cabinet or on a wall near the disposal. Once you’ve done that, unplug the garbage disposal or turn the power source off at your breaker.

Avoid placing your hand down the drain or near the blades even when the power is off. Accidents have happened to many DIYers as they attempt garbage disposal repairs. If you’re uncomfortable with your abilities, contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air and we can help.

3. Use a Natural Drain Cleaner

Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda. A few minutes after, pour a mixture of one cup hot water and one cup of vinegar into the drain and cover it. Let the cover sit for 10 minutes. Once you uncover the drain, rinse warm water down the drain and flush the mixture out.

Using the mixture of baking soda and vinegar creates a carbon dioxide liquid that bubbles through the clog. These bubbles help break up clogs and create loose materials that can then be flushed down the drain. The boiling water plus gravity helps create pressure in your pipes, removing the sludge from the pipes.

4. Plunge the Clog with a Plunger

Most homeowners own a plunger for toilet clogs in the home, but these plumbing tools can also be used on blockages in your sinks and disposals. Placing a plunger over the garbage disposal opening creates a vacuum, dislodging clogs.

If you have two sinks in your kitchen, start by plugging the non-disposal side of the sink. Press the plunger down over the disposal opening and fill the sink with a few inches of water. Vigorously plunge the drain for a few seconds and remove the plunger. Hopefully the water will drain. If it doesn’t, repeat.

2. Check Inside the Disposal

Oftentimes when disposals stop working, it’s due to something blocking the impellers. Grab your flashlight and look inside the disposal for any obvious blockages or items wrapped around the blades.

If you notice an item that needs removal, use tongs or pliers to grab the object and remove it from the disposal. Turn on the water and try running the disposal again. If the blades still won’t turn, move on to the next step.

5. Manually Rotate the Blades

With the power still off to your disposal, insert the proper sized Allen wrench into the hexagonal-shaped hole under the unit. Turn the wrench in both directions so the blades are loosened. You should try turning counterclockwise until the motor shaft stops turning, then switch to clockwise.

Moving the blades both directions often loosens debris, allowing you to twist the motor shaft freely in a full circle. At this time, you can also try pressing the red reset button on the bottom of the garbage disposal.

These 5 steps should help you to unclog your garbage disposal easily. If you find you’ve tried the steps above and are still experiencing issues with your disposal, it may be time for a new disposal. Contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air at (801) 477-5818 for assistance inspecting in your garbage disposal.

8 Reasons You Need an Annual Furnace Tune-Up

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:58:06 GMT

When you live in Utah, autumn brings beautiful red, gold, and orange-colored leaves. It’s a beautiful time of year. It’s also the time of year when you should start anticipating the colder months that will be coming and prepare your furnace for the winter months ahead. Below, we’re sharing 8 reasons why you need an annual furnace tune-up now so you don’t experience issues when the temperatures are frigid.

Extend the Life of Your Furnace

Like most mechanical systems, your furnace won’t last forever. With regular maintenance, your furnace should last between 15-20 years. Regular tune-ups allow you the opportunity to catch any small issues early and avoid bigger problems down the road.

An annual tune-up also allows your technician the opportunity to identify when your system is starting to deteriorate so you’ll know when it’s time to start saving for a new system.

Maintains the Manufacturer’s Warranty

Every furnace comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. These protect homeowners if they discover they have purchased a faulty unit or one with a manufacturer defect. Each of these warranties come with a list of must-dos for each homeowner so the unit is maintained and well taken care of.

If you aren’t performing regular furnace tune-ups, your warranty will be voided and you’ll have to cover the full cost of any repairs, even if they’re caused by the manufacturer when the unit was manufactured.

Lowers Utility Costs

When you have a technician regularly tune-up your furnace, the cost of heating your home can be significantly lower. Tune-up services are designed to ensure your furnace system continues to work just as efficiently as it did on the day it was installed. Maintaining this high-level of output keeps your furnace running in a consistent way, avoiding the need to run continually just to keep up.

Keeps the Air Clean

All HVAC systems have filters that help trap dirt and dust from entering the unit. If they aren’t changed often, debris can be forced into the furnace and those particles and dust enter your home, causing the air to become dirty. This allows pollutants and allergens to circulate throughout your home.

During a furnace tune-up, technicians clean both the interior and exterior of the furnace, which helps keep the air in your home clean and allergen-free.

Saves Time

Fall furnace tune-ups allow you extra time to fix the furnace if they are identified by your technician early. October nights are much warmer than January nights, and tackling the problems early in the fall means your time in the winter will be spent enjoying your home rather than scrambling to find someone to fix your system.

Avoid Safety Hazards in Your Home

Clean air is important for your furnace to work correctly. The system pulls the air from outside the home and brings it into your furnace to heat it to the correct temperature. The air passes through the filter, cleaning the air and ridding it of pollen and dirt. When these filters get clogged, the furnace has to work harder and can even overheat and put your home at risk of fires or gas leaks.

When you have a regular furnace tune-up, the system is inspected thoroughly so you can feel safe knowing your risk of having a clogged system is low.

Prevents Sudden Breakdowns

When you’re a Utah homeowner, the last thing you want to discover on a cold winter night is that your furnace has stopped working. Furnaces should be reliable when you need them the most. When you are maintaining your HVAC system and furnace regularly, you have a better chance at avoiding those inconvenient furnace break downs.

Annual furnace tune-ups help you keep a close eye on your furnace so you can rest easy that your system will work even on the coldest of winter nights.

Improves Energy Efficiency

A furnace tune-up alone can immediately improve energy efficiency by up to 30%. As we mentioned earlier, a furnace that is filled with dirt and dust uses more energy to push heat through your home. Your technician will also check for obstructed vents and poor ventilation to ensure your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency.

As you can see, these 8 reasons to have an annual furnace tune-up are important to you and your family. Saving money and time and keeping you and your loved ones safe are some of your top priorities.

Now that you’re aware of all of the benefits of furnace tune-ups, we suggest you contact us at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air before the weather turns cold. We are here to help you with your HVAC system and can help you with furnace maintenance and tune-ups.

Call us at (801) 477-5818 to get on our schedule quickly so you can enjoy your warm home all season long.

How to Avoid Heating & Air Conditioning Emergencies

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:09:12 GMT

When you’re a homeowner in Utah, your HVAC unit works extremely hard throughout the hot summer months and the cold winters. Most homeowners don’t put much thought into their HVAC system, because their home is consistently at a comfortable temperature inside, no matter what the temperature is outside.

Unfortunately, the scorching hot summers and the extreme-cold winters can overload your air conditioner and heater, which is why some HVAC units breakdown. These heating and air conditioning emergencies can cost lots of money and can make for an uncomfortable outage in your home.

You can take steps to avoid the costly, inconvenient emergency repairs by following these tips:

Change Your Air Filter

Every homeowner knows that changing your HVAC filter is important to keep allergens out of your home, but did you know it’s the single most important thing you can do to safeguard your equipment from breaking down? Clean filters protect critical components from becoming damaged because of dirt, debris, or break down.

Cooling coils that are dirty absorb less heat, which forces the AC system to run longer to keep your home cool. When your system is forced to work harder, it’s more likely to fail when you need it the most. Keeping your filter clean helps keep your system running well and it can keep your energy usage lower, which saves you money in the long run.

Remember, if you use 1 inch filters, those should replaced monthly.

Verify Your Thermostat is Working

You might be surprised to know that some homeowners don’t know that their thermostat requires changing batteries to continue operating smoothly. If your batteries have died, your thermostat could be ineffectively detecting the wrong temperature. This will result in your air conditioner or heater performing inefficiently.

Once you’re sure your batteries are working and the thermostat works correctly, consider setting the temperature for one degree warmer when running the AC or one degree cooler when running the heater to save money on your energy bill and now overworking your system.

Schedule Your Annual Maintenance

If you own a vehicle, you know how important it is to keep your car maintained to keep it running well. The same is true of your HVAC unit. If you’re ignoring your system, chances are it will break down and leave you stranded when you need it most—just like your vehicle would.

Schedule an annual maintenance with your local heating and air conditioning specialist, like 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air, to avoid costly repairs and experience unpleasant system outages. For optimum performance, consider a twice-a-year maintenance plan.

Another reason to make system maintenance a priority is to ensure you keep your equipment running at your manufacturer recommendations. This consistent maintenance is helpful if you ever need to deal with warranty work on your unit.

By following these tips above, you can not only avoid heating and air conditioning emergencies, but you can keep your HVAC unit running efficiently and effectively. These small to-dos we’ve listed for you can end up saving you lots of money and headache in the long run.

When it comes to heating and air conditioning emergencies, 1st American Plumbing, Heating and Air is highly experienced, professional, and quick to assess the problem and get you up-and running soon. Call us at (801) 477-5818 to schedule your annual maintenance now so you avoid some of these emergency issues we’ve discussed.

Check Your Outdoor Equipment

Your outdoor unit needs adequate airflow to operate efficiently. Plants and bushes should be pruned, and you should keep at least two feet of clearance around any equipment. You should also keep the area clear of leaves, grass cuttings, or other items. If needed, spray the air conditioning condenser with a hose to clean off the debris.

If you notice your air conditioner is blowing warm air, check to see if the unit’s fan is on when your thermostat is set to cool. If your unit isn’t blowing air or has a low air flow, inspect the copper lines going into unit for frost or ice. If the lines are iced up, turn off the unit, change your filter and wait 6-12 hours before turning the system back on. This will allow the ice to thaw.

When filters aren’t replaced often enough, it can cause the unit to freeze up and act as if it’s not functioning correctly. Once you replace the filter and allow the unit time to thaw in unseen areas, turn the unit back on and check for proper operation.

1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air is Here to Help

Our expert technicians service homes throughout the Wasatch front, and we’re here to help. We’ve been servicing the Wasatch Front since 1995, and our goal is to be your honest, expert plumbing, heating and air expert. Check out our many 5-star reviews to learn about our excellent service.

7 Signs You May Have a Plumbing Problem

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:28:55 GMT

When you’re a homeowner, there are plumbing problems that can occur that can be easy for you to identify. Clogged sink drains back up, plugged toilets don’t flush, and each of these are easy for you to notice. But there are many times plumbing problems are taking place in your home and they aren’t so easy to identify right away.

In this blog post, we’re discussing 7 signs you may have a plumbing problem and how you can identify them. Pay close attention, because it’s important to catch these plumbing issues early so they don’t cause long-term issues or cost you lots of money in the long run.

Water Leaks

Unless you see or feel water damage or discoloration on your walls, floors, or ceiling, it can be difficult to identify a water leak in your home. The majority of your plumbing is enclosed in the home and can’t be seen so it’s important you take note of any changes. Pay close attention if you hear water running or dripping and investigate accordingly. Follow the noise and track it down to see if you can locate a leak.

Another way to identify a water leak in your home is to pay close attention to your water bill. A sudden increase in your water bill can be an early sign that you have water running unnoticed.

Sewer Line Backup

When you notice your shower drain is draining slowly, or there is residue left around shower or floor drains, this could be a clear signal of a sewer line backup. Some homeowners aren’t quick to act on slow-draining bath or shower drains, because they assume that hair or other debris is clogging the drain.

When you notice a slow drain in your home, it’s important you address the clog quickly and keep your drains clear to ensure you aren’t dealing with a bigger sewer line blockage. It’s easy to ignore a slow drain, but you shouldn’t.

Pressure or Buildup

Water pressure is a vital part of your plumbing system. When there’s too much pressure in your pipes, the pipe is under strain and can make a banging, whining or popping noise. This can occur in pipes or in the water heater and can typically be heard immediately after using the shower, sink or toilet. Pay close attention to any sounds that are unusual and call your trusted plumber to help.

Signs of Water Damage

As we mentioned above, changes in ceilings or walls are clear indicators you could have water damage. Early signs of water damage include peeling or bubbling paint, staining of wood or drywall, or mold or mildew inside your home. Water damage causes bad smells in your home and also exposes you and your family to health risks.

When suspecting a leak, be sure to also check your flooring for signs of water damage. This includes the corners of your home that can typically go unnoticed. Cracked ceramic tile or grout or peeling linoleum, warping or buckling wood or laminate, or wet carpet shows leaks that are reaching the flooring.

Softener Failure

Water softeners purify and filter water in your home. Hard water has a high mineral content, and when your softener fails, you’ll start to see hard water build up on your fixtures. This could be because of a dirty filter, clogs, or the softener itself has failed. The softener could have a motor that’s stopped working and it may need to be replaced.

One way to avoid your water softener motor failing prematurely is to make sure you’re keeping your softener properly maintained and cleaned per the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important to empty it when necessary to keep it running the way its supposed to.

Service Line Break

Tree roots, extreme weather, and age are big reasons why service lines break or crumble. When a main service line (water or sewer) breaks, settling or sink holes that line up with the water main or the sewer lateral appear in the yard. If you notice the grounds around your home are uneven when they weren’t that way before, or you notice smells in your yard, you could be facing a line break.

These main line breaks should be reported to your local plumbing professional immediately, because they could require digging and heavy equipment. If you live in an older home, replacing older pipes may be necessary and an expert plumber can advise you on your course of action.

Bad Smells

If you notice bad smells coming from within your home, those smells certainly can’t be ignored. Sewer traps need a vent, and traps and drains are designed to prevent any sewer gas from entering your home. If you smell natural gas or burning rubber smells, these could indicate that your water heater thermostat could be overheating or you have a gas leak. Immediately turn off your power and/or gas and call your plumber for assistance.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues in your home, don’t panic. Once you discover the issue, it’s important that you call a trustworthy plumbing company like 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (801) 477-5818 to visit your home and inspect the problems.

Whether it’s water damage, clogged drains, a running sink, or a water main break, our professional service technicians are trained to identify your plumbing issue and assist you in preventing future issues that could be costly. Don’t wait, once you realize there’s an issue in your home, place the call.

7 Easy Tips to Prevent Clogs & Maintain Clear Drains

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:38:49 GMT

If you’ve ever experienced having a clogged drain in your Utah home, you know that they are inconvenient and can oftentimes be an expensive fix if they aren’t handled immediately. Unless you built your house and your plumbing lines are brand new, you have no way of knowing how well drains have been maintained or what previous homeowners have poured down the drains in your home.

Below we’ve identified 7 easy tips for preventing clogs and maintaining clear drains in your home so you can avoid blockages and keep from having to use harsh chemicals to ensure your drains are clear and running correctly.

1. Clean Drains Thoroughly

While it seems obvious that cleaning your drains should be the first step in keeping your drains clear and maintaining them, most homeowners don’t put drain cleaning on their regular home maintenance list. Ensuring your drains are clear and clean is just as important as mopping your floors or cleaning your toilets.

Once a week, lift sink stoppers in bathrooms and remove any debris that may have gathered on the stopper. Remove your bathtub and shower drain covers and clear any hair or debris, using a bent wire or small wire brush you can purchase at the store.
Once a month, clean your disposal by sprinkling a half-cup of baking soda into the drain and pouring 1 cup of vinegar into the opening. This will clean the blades. Pour some ice and table salt into the disposal and run for a moment to remove any grease or slime that have gathered on the sides of the disposal.

3. Avoid Using Your Garbage Disposal

Home owners who have garbage disposals often flush many types of foods and liquids into the disposal thinking it can handle most of these items. That’s simply not true. While disposals can grind up large amounts of food waste, once those particles and grease make their way down your pipes, they can adhere to the sides of the lines, and over time, drainage will slow and clogs will occur.

Ideally, all food waste should be thrown out into your trash can. This includes high-issue items like coffee grounds, meats, egg shells, starchy foods like pasta and potatoes. After each meal, scrape left over food into the garbage can and avoid using your disposal all together. When it comes to using your disposal, when in doubt, throw it out!

4. Dispose of Grease Correctly

Grease is an inevitable side-product of cooking in our homes. Hamburger, bacon, and even cooking oils we use daily can wreak havoc in your pipes if they are allowed to be flushed down your drains. Most people know how important it is to avoid pouring grease down their drains, but it’s still commonly done. In fact, the number one cause of kitchen drain clogs is food grease build up. Properly dispose of grease by:

Pouring grease into an aluminum container, such as a coffee can, and throw away the container once the grease has completely cooled. If you don’t have an aluminum container, take multiple sheets of aluminum foil and layer them, overlapping each other and the sides of the bowl. Pour the grease onto the aluminum foil and allow it to harden. Gather the aluminum foil ends and seal at the top and throw out the foil.
As a last step of protection, wipe all of your greasy pans down with a wet paper towel before placing them into the sink. This small chore will keep small particles of meat and grease from slipping down the drain and causing additional build up in your pipes.

2. Install Drain Covers

Placing mesh screens over your drains helps catch all food, hair, and other debris from washing down the drains in your home. This includes covering bathtub and shower drains throughout the home. Small items such as hair elastics, protective razor covers, and jewelry can easily slip down open drain unnoticed, and they can quickly block drains. These inexpensive drain covers are your first line of defense against drain clogs and can give you peace of mind that unnecessary debris isn’t slipping down your drains.

5. Rinse Pipes with Hot Water

Harsh chemical cleaners aren’t necessary to keep your pipes clog-free. When you’re done cleaning up after meal time, rinse your pipes with hot water to help any grease that may have slipped by liquify. Every few weeks, boil one or two gallons of hot water and dump it down your sink to flush out your pipes. This simple step alone can help your drains continue to run smoothly.

6. Flush Sewage and Toilet Paper Only

An overflowing toilet due to a clog can be a frustrating situation for homeowners. Feminine products, flushable wipes, and using too much toilet paper are just a few reasons your sewage drains can back up and wreak havoc in your home. A strip of toilet paper should typically dissolve in the plumbing system within 24 hours. Flushable wipes can take weeks to dissolve and can also cling together in your sewer system, causing large blockages. Avoid these issues and don’t flush anything other than sewage and toilet paper.

7. Keep Plumbing Tools Handy

No matter how careful you try to be in your home, you’re bound to experience clogs as a homeowner. Mishaps happen and toilets clog or things fall down the drain. Keeping a drain snake and a high-quality plunger in your home can help take care of the small issues that arise. Addressing these problems when they happen can help you avoid them becoming big, expensive problems in the future.

By following the tips above, you can prevent clogs and maintain your drains in your home with ease. If you’re experiencing trouble with your drains and you need reliable, experienced help in your home, contact the experts at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air at (801) 477-5818 . We’re here to help answer any questions and provide valuable services for you and your home.

10 Ways to Maximize Air Conditioning Efficiency

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:58:30 GMT

The hot summer months in Utah can put your air conditioning unit to the test. With temperatures rising over the century mark, your unit is running most of the day to keep your home cool and comfortable. In the summertime, your unit can account for 60-70% of your energy costs. That’s why it’s important that you’re making sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.

We’ve put together 10 ways to maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency to not only keep costs down but also keep you comfortable and your unit healthy.

Change Your Filter

When your air conditioning system is running often, your filters can get clogged with dirt and dust quickly. If your filter is clogged, your HVAC unit has to run more often and work harder to pull air through the home. A good rule of thumb is to check your air filters monthly so you can identify how quickly your filters are getting dirty. Also, be sure to regularly change your filters per your manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re keeping your unit running efficiently.

Clean Your Condenser

If your outdoor condenser unit is surrounded by plants, debris, or weeds, take time to clear away anything blocking the unit. Cut back the overgrowth and remove weeds to allow for proper airflow around the condenser and improve air conditioning efficiency through your home. If possible, it’s ideal to leave an empty 4-foot radius around your condenser unit.

Install a Smart Thermostat

When the programmable thermostat was introduced, homeowners loved the option to program their thermostats for times they were home and when they were away. But now, smart thermostats are an even better option for homeowners because they learn your habits and can sense when you’re home and when you’re away. You can also change the temperature settings in your home from your phone, so you can choose to cool the home when you’re on your way back from a day out in the sun.

Keep Vents and Registers Open and Clear

Your home’s air conditioner relies on proper air circulation to work correctly, and when vents and registers are covered or dirty, it slows down the air flow. Never place furniture on top of vents, and make sure miscellaneous items haven’t been placed on them, because this will affect the air production in your home. Also, your return registers should be open from blockage and cleaned often. Vacuum registers regularly, as dust and debris gather on the grates and can cause your system to slow down in production.

Seal Windows and Doors

To ensure your doors and windows are sealed correctly, turn off the HVAC system and close all windows and doors to your home. Hold up an incense stick or hold a match close to window and door frames. If you see any movement, that could indicate you have an air leak. Regularly check weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows and sealing them quickly will help keep your home draft-free.

Use Fans Correctly

Fans are a great way to help cool your home in the summertime and save on energy costs. A ceiling fan can actually make a room feel 10 degrees cooler, which is why lots of homeowners have them installed in high-traffic rooms like bedrooms and family rooms. During the summer months, your ceiling fan should run counterclockwise and push air down into the room to make you feel cool.

Add Insulation to Your Home

Your insulation in your home plays a huge role in keeping your Utah home cool. If there are areas in your home that aren’t insulated well, you can be wasting lots of money trying to cool your home. If insulation has been displaced, or is thin in some areas, your air conditioner will be working harder to cool your home, and warm air from the outside will enter your home more easily.

Keep Your Kitchen Cool

In the summer, try not to use your oven or stove tops for cooking. The meals may taste great, but the extra heat can overheat your home. Instead, opt to grill outside, use the microwave, or use crockpots or instapots to prepare your meals. Using the stove can increase the temperature in your home quickly, causing your HVAC unit to have to work extra hard to cool the home.

Increase Ventilation

To keep your home comfortable in the hot summer months and your air conditioner running efficiently, make sure you have proper ventilation in your home. Your HVAC unit needs to work harder because certain areas of your home may not be well-ventilated. If your bathrooms and kitchen have vents with fans, use them to pull moisture out of your home. Moisture in your home can make it stuffy and hot, so use these fans whenever possible when you’re cooking or showering.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Making sure your unit is running efficiently by a professional like 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air can prolong the life of your unit and improve HVAC performance. Nothing is as effective as having a service technician clean, inspect, and maintain your air conditioner on a regular basis. When you schedule regular routine maintenance, our technicians can spot small problems before they become larger ones.

As you can see, there are many ways to help your air conditioning unit run effectively and efficiently for your home. You want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your AC unit and helping it last as long as possible. And remember, if you need to schedule preventative maintenance or you think your unit may be having issues and need a trusted partner to check it out, be sure to contact 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air .

5 Reasons You Need an A/C Tune-Up

Wed, 26 May 2021 06:03:10 GMT

Warmer weather has arrived in Utah, and the temperatures are starting to rise. Throughout the year, most home owners don’t give much thought to their A/C unit. When the summer heat starts to get uncomfortable, we switch on the air conditioning and comfortably go about our day. Regrettably, overlooking your A/C could lead to decreased efficiency and costly repair charges.

Temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley can reach above 100 degrees in the hot summer months. If you’ve been taking your air conditioner for granted and ignoring regular maintenance of your unit, chances are you’ll be stuck in an over-heated home when your air conditioner faces the pressure of working overtime for you.

Just like your vehicle, your A/C needs regular maintenance to keep it running at its best. The demand on air conditioners here in the desert is high, so you want it running at peak-performance. These tune-ups will ensure your unit can handle the demand of the hot summer months ahead.

Here are five reasons we suggest every homeowner get an A/C tune-up this season.

Maintain the Comfort of Your Home

The first and most obvious reason we suggest annual A/C tune-up is to keep your home temperatures comfortable for you throughout the hot summer months. No one likes uneven temperatures in their home. If one room is ice-cold and another room feels like a sauna, your AC unit needs maintenance. Keeping the temperature consistent allows you to relax indoors, sleep better, and keeps the air quality high.

Air conditioning and heating systems also drastically improve the quality of our indoor air. They reduce allergens and pollutants in the home, and that creates a healthier home environment. No more sniffling and sneezing.

Save on Your Power Bill

Lots of homeowners skip regular air conditioner maintenance because they don’t want the added expense. But ignoring this important service could end up costing them more in the long run by unit failures as we mentioned above or in monthly costs.

The average American household’s annual spend on heating and cooling totals approximately $2,200 each year. Seasonal tune-ups can lower utility bills by 15 percent or higher. Combine that with regular filter replacement, and you’ll save even more.

Prolong the Equipment’s Life Span

When your A/C system is regularly maintained, it will experience less strain throughout the hot summer months. Having a system that runs at maximum performance with well-maintained parts and fluid levels keeps the pressure off of the condenser and motor.

Leaks and blockages are detected easily during a regular A/C tune-up, and parts are easily replaced. This inevitably prolongs the equipment’s life, keeping you cooler longer. A well-made, well-maintained air conditioner should typically last 12-17 years.

Prevent an Unexpected Unit Failure

Your air conditioner has various parts and fluids inside that need regular attention. Part of the A/C tune-up involves cleaning coils, pressure and fluid checks, capacitor testing, and more. When any of these parts have issues or fail, your unit’s output will drastically be affected, or worse, stop.

Frozen coils or refrigerant leaks aren’t something you can see as a homeowner, but issues like these are often prevented by having regular A/C system check-ups. The last thing you need when temperatures reach the century mark is to discover there’s an issue with your air conditioner.

Maintain the Manufacturer’s Warranty

HVAC manufacturers offer strong equipment warranties, covering the system for five years or more. But unfortunately, people unintentionally void their warranty by not keeping up on regular A/C unit maintenance.

Work with a trusted heating and air conditioning company to perform regular tune-ups on your A/C unit and keep records of each service and repair. If the time comes that you need to show proof that you’ve been keeping up with maintenance requirements for your air conditioner to use the warranty, you’ll be covered.

Your air conditioner is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. It keeps you comfortable during the sweltering summer heat, and it keeps contaminants and allergens low so you and your family can enjoy higher-quality air. Be sure to keep your A/C running at maximum efficiency by scheduling regular A/C tune-ups with your local HVAC expert today.

1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air is Here to Help

Ready to schedule your A/C tune-up with one of our trusted HVAC technicians? Contact our experts at (801) 477-5818 or schedule your service online now. We’ve been servicing the Wasatch Front since 1995, and our goal is to be your honest, expert plumbing, heating and air expert. Check out our many 5-star reviews to learn about our excellent service.

10 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:10:12 GMT

The Spring Equinox arrives every year around the third week of March. But when you live in Utah , chances are bad weather and snow continues through early April. Once the temperatures in Salt Lake City creep into the 60s, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to get your home ready for spring.

From prepping your air conditioner to deep-cleaning appliances, we’ve got 10 tips to get your home ready for spring so by the time summer rolls around, you can enjoy the warmer temperatures with your friends and family instead of worrying about maintenance around your home.

1. Clean the Windows

Before you dash outside to begin washing your windows, be sure you choose a dry, cloudy day for this task. Washing windows in the sunshine will leave hard-to-remove streaks, and who wants that after a day of window washing?

Use equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, or any household window cleaner, and don’t hold back when it comes to spraying the glass. Use a rag to thoroughly clean the window and follow up with a microfiber cloth to dry. The glass will be shiny and streak-free.

3. Clean the Gutters

Cleaning your gutters on your home is recommended twice per year. Heavy rains are common in spring and summer, so preparing now will keep your downspouts clear for those big storms.

If you’re comfortable on a ladder, completing this task should be fairly simple to tackle on your own. First, with gloves on, clear debris from the gutters. Have one bucket available for debris and the other to carry your tools such as brushes and trowels. Once the debris is removed, flush the gutters with a garden hose.

4. Tidy Up the Garage

When you live in Salt Lake City, salt and dirt from the winter roads get tracked into your garage, leaving residue and stains. Once spring hits, thoroughly sweep out your garage to clear out the debris.

If there are any stains on the floor of the garage, mix one gallon of warm water with one cup of vinegar and a squirt of dish shop and pour the mixture onto the stains. Scrub with a stiff deck brush to remove the residue and rinse with a hose. Finish cleaning out the garage by donating old sports equipment and categorizing products to make things easier to find in the spring.

2. Tune Up Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is an important piece of equipment in your home that oftentimes goes unnoticed (not to mention is taken for granted)—until it stops working. Utah is a desert, which means summertime temps can reach into the 100s…that’s not the time you want you’re A/C unit dying on you.

An air conditioning tune up should be one of the first things you do each spring to keep your unit performing at full-capacity. Consistent annual checkups can not only extend the life of your unit, but it can also save you up to 15% a month on your energy bills.

5. Clean Faucets and Showerheads

Hard water and calcium buildup can cause havoc on household faucets and showerheads. Plugged outlets cause the water flow to slow, and the spray isn’t as effective. Clean clogs by unscrewing the faucet aerators and showerheads and letting them soak for a couple of hours in a bowl filled with equal parts vinegar and water.

Another option is to fill a plastic bag with the vinegar and water mixture and tie it around the faucet or showerhead, securing with a wire tie. Let the solution work for a couple of hours, brush the spray outlets and wipe down when you’re done.

6. Clear Away Drain Clogs

As homeowners, it’s common to ignore things like slow drains or backed up sinks, because they eventually drain and aren’t that big of an inconvenience. But ignoring these clogged drains could cause bigger issues in the long run. Don’t ignore those slow drains.

Drain cleaning performed by a professional plumbing company can keep your drains flowing correctly, helping you avoid major clogs or flooding. For more serious clogs such as grease and fat in your kitchen drain, hydro jetting is the perfect solution for those tough obstructions.

7. Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

In order to maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, it’s important that you replace the batteries once or twice per year. Replacing batteries will ensure the units are working properly and they will protect you and your family from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

To test a smoke alarm, press and hold the test button. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Unclip or slide the smoke detector off of its mount and replace the battery for optimum performance.

8. Deep Clean Appliances

Springtime is a great time to give your household kitchen appliances a good clean out and scrub down. In the colder months, people are often cooking more at home, and ovens and refrigerators often have spills and stains that are overlooked.

For the refrigerator, clear out the contents and wash down shelves and drawers with a sponge and warm water. If you can remove these and wash them in the sink, even better. Don’t forget to pull out the fridge and sweep off the coils and clear out debris from underneath. For your oven, follow your model’s self-cleaning instructions and wipe the debris thoroughly after cleaning.

9. Refresh Your Closet

Once the warmer weather starts to appear, it’s time to move spring and summer clothing items to the front of your closet. Stow away winter items such as boots and sweaters—if you can put them in the attic or basement to save closet space, even better.

Wipe down shelving and refold items on ledges. As your placing items back into the closet, now is a good time to decide if you like wearing the item or if it’s better suited for someone else. Donating items for others to enjoy is a much better use of those products rather than have them collect dust in your closet.

10. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces

If you have an outdoor patio or deck, your outdoor furniture has likely collected dirt and dust over the colder months and is in need of a good cleaning. Remove the cushions and wipe down your tables and chairs with a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid soap. Rinse the furniture with a hose and let the pieces air dry.

Take the cushions and give them a good spray with the hose, preferably with an attachment. The pressure from the water should loosen up any dirt that has gathered over the cold months. Replace the cushions once they’re dry, and enjoy a drink on the patio.

Your home is a place for you to enjoy, and by following these 10 tips, your home will be clean and ready for the summertime fun and for years to come.

Call us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out the form on this page for help with any of your air conditioning or plumbing needs. We’re here to help.

3 Ways to Maximize Your Home’s Heating Efficiency

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 11:56:24 GMT

Whether you own a 1,000 square foot one-story or a 4,000 square foot townhouse, heating efficiency is a concern all homeowners should be aware of — especially as the winter months cause temperatures to flatline. Modern technology has enabled houses to shield their inhabitants from the chilly outside air with furnaces, heaters and other tools, but none of these essential features come free.

If you’re one of the thousands of homeowners who worry about their heating and air efficiency in Salt Lake City , you’re not alone. Every year, houses across the state suffer from inflated costs due to inefficient heating: An issue that can often be solved with a few simple steps.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Stay tuned as we cover the truth about heating efficiency and give you guidelines for how to survive the next winter season.

The Importance of Heating Efficiency: It’s More Than Money

The concept of keeping heat from escaping a home sounds simple enough, yet it’s one that many struggle to follow year-round. While your house may warm up even with a few leaks, you’ll be paying the price in the long run if you don’t regularly work with an HVAC services provider in Salt Lake City to examine the quality of your heating — literally.

Some common side effects of low heating efficiency include:

Larger Energy Bills: If your heating system is able to sneak out of your home’s walls, it can take more than twice the effort to increase temperatures and avoid the blistering cold. As a result, your energy bills will suffer the consequences if the problem isn’t taken care of quickly.
Reduced Comfort: In addition to snatching a few extra dollars from your bank account, low heating efficiency can make your home an uncomfortable place to stay. Escaped heat means longer wait times between temperature changes on your thermostat, causing the warmth to go everywhere except where it’s needed most.
Year-round Troubles: In some cases, low heating efficiency means your home also has troubles elsewhere. If you have leaks or a faulty thermostat, you’ll be facing the same issues when summer comes around; only this time, you’ll be battling the heat rather than fighting to keep it inside.

As daunting as these factors may be, homeowners can still follow various methods to keep their energy efficiency in check. From furnace repair to heating and air services, Salt Lake City has a variety of providers who can help you with virtually any heating-related issue.

No matter what kind of home you own, following these crucial steps can ensure you stay warm and snug during winter — without your wallet hurting because of it.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filter

Aside from reducing your home’s heating efficiency, a filthy furnace filter will significantly diminish your air’s purity and can even cause health issues if left untreated. Operating as your first line of defense against dust, airborne allergens and other particles, regularly replacing your filter should be a top priority when it comes to your home’s overall wellness.

Don’t know how often to replace your filter? Make a note of these general guidelines:

Basic Fiberglass: Replace every one to two months.
Paper: Replace every four months to a year.
Electrostatic: Replace every several years and clean every four to six weeks.

Keep in mind that smoking, pets, extended fan usage and more can make a filter grow dirtier faster, so it’s always a good idea to check yours regularly.

3. Consider a Furnace Tune-up or Replacement

Often, low heating efficiency can simply be due to a decrepit furnace. While this prospect can be frightening for owners, it could be the difference between wasting thousands on unnecessary energy usage and saving that money with a one-time repair.

Here are some tips for determining whether or not your Salt Lake City home requires a furnace repair or tune-up:

Loud Noises: If your furnace is making rattling, screeching, popping or humming noises, it could be time to switch it out for a new one.
Frequent Temperature Fluctuations: If you’ve already followed the two steps mentioned earlier and still suffer from heating inefficiency, your furnace could be at fault.
Flame Color: In general, an efficient furnace produces blue flames, while an old one produces yellow flames — and carbon monoxide. Keep an eye out for color changes!
Age: Conventional gas furnaces usually last from 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it before any issues can emerge.

Call us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out the form on this page to have your furnace or a/c unit inspected or repaired.

1. Take Advantage of Insulation

Your home’s heating systems work hard to provide you with warm air, so why not ensure it actually stays inside and not out?

When it comes to heat loss, inadequate insulation is one of the largest offenders — and one of the most difficult to notice. If you lead a busy life, it can be easy to accidentally lose track of the quality of your insulation, resulting in reduced heat efficiency.

Keep these tips in mind to prevent warm air from escaping your home:

Examine Locations Prone to Air Leaks: Door and window frames are some of the most common locations for air leaks, but virtually any part of your home with penetrations could be a contender (i.e., holes for electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.). Install weatherstrips on doors, skylights, windows and other spots to prevent leaks and check up on them regularly.
Pay Attention to Ductwork: Your home’s duct seams and connections need to be as tight as possible to prevent air leakage. Ensure these locations are fastened closely with clamps or screws and sealed securely.
Don’t Ignore the Attic: Even if you don’t spend much time in it, your attic can be a significant cause of heat inefficiency. To upgrade your insulation, install fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose throughout your attic space to seal in the air.

If these projects sound out of your league, connect with your local Salt Lake City HVAC services provider to ensure the job is done right.

Spring Plumbing & HVAC Specials for 2021

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:01:02 GMT

1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air Owner Matt Savas gives an update on our Spring Plumbing & HVAC Specials for 2021. These offers expire on May 31, 2021. You can read our 5-star reviews from other happy customers or give us a call if you are ready to get started: (801) 695-4246

Winter Plumbing, HVAC and Drain Cleaning Specials for 2021

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 12:03:56 GMT

We are excited to offer these money-saving Winter Plumbing, HVAC and Drain Cleaning Specials . If you need a Water Heater, Tankless Water Heater, Water Softener, Drain Hydro Jetting, Camera Inspection, Precision Furnace Tune-Up, High Efficient Furnace, High Efficient Full System or Free Second Opinion, then please give us a call. These offers expire on February 28, 2021, so don’t delay. You can read our 5-star reviews on Google from other happy customers.

Call Us: (801) 506-6889

Is Your Furnace Ready for the COLD? – Early Black Friday Deals

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:09:35 GMT

Our Black Friday Deals start early and go on all month long! Winter weather is coming to Utah. Take advantage of these incredible, money-saving offers that will keep your home nice and cozy during the cold winter season.

Call Us: (801) 477-5818

Cooler weather is coming. Is your Furnace ready?

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:12:10 GMT

At 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air, we know the importance of a dependable furnace and are here to help. For a limited time, we’re offering a complete fall furnace tune-up for only $69.

Fall is a time for hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and firing up your furnace to keep your home warm and toasty. It’s also the worst time for your furnace to suddenly give out on you.

Do I need a furnace tune-up?

It’s a good idea to get your furnace checked before you start using it regularly. A tune-up can reveal minor issues that can easily be fixed before they become major repairs. It also helps your furnace last longer and work more efficiently, which helps save you money.

Give us a call today!

Take advantage of our special fall pricing, and stay ahead of the game by getting your furnace tuned up now before the cold weather arrives.

Hurry! This offer expires Oct 31st.

Call Us: (801) 477-5818

Schedule an A/C Tune-Up for $69

Tue, 12 May 2020 12:25:47 GMT

The weather is beginning to warm up in Utah and chances are you have already heard your A/C unit turn on during the warm days. Let us come out and tune-up your equipment for $69. It is best to discover problems now, instead of down the road when it is REALLY HOT!

Call Us: (801) 477-5818

Company Update from Owner & CEO, Matt Savas

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:32:21 GMT

Call Us: (801) 477-5818

What Not To Flush Down Your Toilet

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:34:50 GMT

As you may have noticed recently, toilet paper shortages are being reported in many parts of the country. This causes people to resort to alternatives, which can clog plumbing and septic systems.

We understand the importance of having working plumbing at home, especially during these challenging times. Here is our top list of items you shouldn’t be flushing down your toilet if toilet paper is scarce.

Flushable” wipes (Trust us, they’re not flushable.)
Paper towels
Facial tissue
Napkins
Feminine hygiene products
Cloth products
Cotton balls and swabs

A good rule of thumb is to only flush human waste and actual toilet paper down your toilet. Your plumbing and septic systems will last longer, and you’ll prevent a potential backup from occurring.

If a plumbing issue does come up, please give us a call at (801) 477-5818 . 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to help whenever you need us. Rest assured we are taking additional precautions to ensure your safety and that of our team. We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you again for letting us serve you. Please stay healthy and safe.

A Letter To Our Valued Customers

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:38:33 GMT

The safety and well-being of our customers and our team is extremely important to us. We are continuing to evaluate the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We also want you to know what we are doing to help keep you and our staff safe. We understand that currently, people are encouraged to stay home and practice “social distancing” as much as possible. However, home issues that may need attention can still occur. Our technicians are taking extra precautions to protect you and themselves, such as:

Maintaining a recommended safe distance at all times
Washing and sanitizing hands before and after every job
Wearing fresh protective gloves and boot covers if entering a home
Providing a contact-less experience, so signatures and payments are collected electronically

Our team at 1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air are proud of the comfort and value we provide our customers. Rest assured we are monitoring the situation daily. If any changes affect the way we serve you, we will let you know. Even during this very trying time, we are here for you when you need us.

Thank you again for letting us take care of your needs. Please stay healthy and safe.

If you need assistance, call us 24/7 at (801) 477-5818 or fill out this form .

Sincerely,

Matthew Savas
CEO/Owner
1st American Plumbing, Heating & Air

Choosing a Water Softener

Sat, 16 Mar 2019 12:42:27 GMT

Did you know that there are two types of water softeners? There are salt-based water softeners and salt-free water conditioners. Let’s talk about how each of them works. We will also share what we like and don’t like about each type of softener.

So, what does a water softener do exactly? Water naturally has minerals like calcium and magnesium in it. There are other minerals in the water. The mineral density increases if your water comes from a well. The more calcium the water carries the more you’ll see chalk-like calcium on your shower door, faucets, etc. That same calcium residue builds up on your water pipes. A traditional salt-style water softener filters out the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.

The NuvoH20 system uses the basic scientific principle in which an organic compound binds with the minerals in the water. That makes them soluble so that they can wash down the drain. A salt-free conditioner uses chelant to bind with the minerals allowing the minerals to stay in the water instead of removing them like you would with a salt-based water softener.

Salt-Based Water Softener

Salt-based water softeners remove magnesium and calcium from your drinking water. They use an ion exchange with resin beads in the softener that are then cleaned through an ion exchange with sodium.

What we like about salt-based water softeners:

Magnesium and calcium are removed from your drinking water. In addition, you aren’t going to see scaling and spotting where hard water would hit. That means you won’t spend as much on repairing and replacing appliances. Salt-based water softer not only stops buildup it also removes current deposits.

Water from a salt-based water softener feels great on your skin and makes it easier to lather soaps and shampoos. Who doesn’t like extra lather?

One downside of salt-based water softeners is the fact that you need bags of salt. You need to haul it and store it and replace it on a routine basis. It can also be cumbersome and difficult to remember when you need to refill.

There are a few choices when it comes to salt, including: rock salt, salt pellets, or potassium pellets.

Rock salt may be the cheapest choice. Rock salt looks like large granular salt. There is a downside. Because they are smaller particles, there is more of a chance that salt bridging will occur. A salt bridge makes it appear that your salt tank is full but there is a gap below the salt that causes the ion exchange for cleaning to not be completed.
Salt pellets are usually more expensive than rock salt because they are typically more pure. Also, we recommend using pellets to decrease the likelihood of a salt bridge.
Potassium pellets are an option if you have an adversity to sodium. Potassium pellets can be difficult to find and are often more expensive than your other options.

Now let’s talk about salt-free water softeners, or more accurately salt-free water conditioners.

Salt Free Water Conditioner “Softener”

A conditioner, or salt-free water softener, reconditions the water. As the name indicates, you don’t need salt for this softener. It uses a replaceable cartridge that the manufacturer recommends be changed every six months. That’s a lot less maintenance than a salt-based water softener.

While some prefer the way the skin feels when using a salt-based water softener, others do not. You won’t have that slippery feel with a salt-free water softener.

Another benefit to this type of water softener: they are less wasteful. Salt-based softeners create wastewater (also known as brine).

You won’t see an increase in your electric bill because salt-free water softeners don’t use electricity!

The calcium and magnesium that is removed if you use a salt-based water softener stays in your water with the process of chelant. So, if you would like to keep the minerals in your water this softener may be a better choice.

One question we get is about maintenance. Are water softeners difficult to maintain? A salt-free water softener requires very little maintenance. You will have to occasionally replace the filter. The frequency of filter replacement depends on conditioner and the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every six months. A salt-based softener will require some maintenance, including replacement of salt. Typically on a monthly basis.

If you have specific questions about maintenance or the water softeners available at 1st American Plumbing, Heating, and Air. Call us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out this form and we will contact you.