Ensure smooth, efficient sump pump operation with the help of Iron Mountain Plumbing in Cedar City. Book your appointment now!

If your home has a basement or crawlspace, heavy rains could cause water to seep into the lowest parts of your home and cause problems like mold growth and water damage. Sump pumps can prevent these issues by pumping water out of a catch basin before it can spread throughout the area. You’d expect the device to run during a big rainstorm, but how often should a sump pump run in general?

As Cedar City’s top plumbing company, Iron Mountain Plumbing is well-versed in all things relating to sump pumps including the ideal sump pump frequency for optimal efficiency. Here, we share what you should know about your sump pump and how often it should run. 

How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump is a device with the sole purpose of pumping infiltrating water out of your home. During installation, a plumber will dig a hole in your basement at its lowest point to create a catch basin. When water seeps into the property, it’ll go inside the catch basin and activate the pump using a float switch. 

The float switch is a device on the sump pump that remains inactive until there’s enough water inside the basin to cause the component to float and flip the switch. Within minutes, the sump pump will clear out the water by pumping it through a drain line where the excess water will go into a drain, dry well, or detention pond. Once the water inside the catch basin is low enough to deactivate the float switch, the sump pump should turn off. 

You have two choices for sump pump types:

• Submersible Sump Pump: A submersible sump pump goes inside the catch basin and has a high float switch. Since the float switch sits up high, there will always be some water in the catch basin; the pump will only activate if there’s enough water to flip the float switch.
• Pedestal Sump Pump: Unlike a submersible pump, a pedestal sump pump can’t go underwater. Instead, it has a low-lying float switch connecting to the pump motor that sits outside the basin. If your basement has a flooding problem, this isn’t the ideal option.

How Often a Sump Pump Should Run

How often should a sump pump run? In short, sump pump cycles should only happen when necessary. Whenever the float switch activates, the pump should work until the water level decreases enough to deactivate the switch. The typical sump pump running time is about two to three minutes. 

Depending on where you live and how prone your property is to water seepage, your sump pump usage may be higher or lower than others. However, your device shouldn’t run all day, every day, unless you’re experiencing a severe weather problem. If you hear the sump pump running frequently without a known cause, it could indicate a problem with the device. 

Problems That Could Make a Sump Pump Run More Often Than Necessary

Problems with sump pump operations could stem from the device itself or your location. Below are the most common reasons a sump pump will run more frequently than you expect.

Bad Check Valve

When the sump pump plumbs water out of the catch basin and into a drain, the water flows through a drain line. Sometimes the pump’s float switch will deactivate before all the water inside the drain line clears. The check valve prevents the excess water from flowing back through the line and into the catch basin where it could restart the pump. 

If the check valve malfunctions, your sump pump will run more often. It doesn’t mean your home has excessive water seepage; it means the pump system isn’t clearing water effectively. 

Clog

Sometimes dirt, leaves, and other debris can get inside the catch basin or drain line, causing a clog. The pump can’t do its job correctly if there’s an obstruction. It will continue to run for as long as the float switch is in the on position, leading to energy inefficiency. 

The same problem can occur if the line freezes. If ice is inside the drain line, the pump won’t be able to force the same amount of water through it as it normally would. 

Broken Float Switch

A common mechanical problem that plagues sump pumps is a faulty float switch. The switch could malfunction and cause the float to remain up even after the water level inside the catch basin declines. When that happens, the switch will stay in the “on” position. A plumber with sump pump experience will need to repair or replace the device to ensure the pump only runs when necessary. 

Broken Underground Water Main

If you’re asking how often should a sump pump run after determining that your device isn’t defective, the problem could be excessive water seepage. Torrential rainfall and snowmelt could cause water seepage, but so can an underground water main break. 

If your device is operational and the weather isn’t bad, underground water infiltration is most likely the culprit behind your constantly running sump pump. You can check by turning off the water main to see if the basin continues to fill and trigger the pump. 

Raised Water Table

You can expect your sump pump to run more frequently if your property sits below the local water table. Rain and snowmelt can cause the water table to rise, which can cause more water to get inside your basement. You might need a more powerful sump pump in this case. 

Keep Your Sump Pump in Great Condition with Iron Mountain Plumbing

After learning the answer to “How often should a sump pump run?” you’ll need to give your device the best care to keep it doing its job. At Iron Mountain Plumbing, our team of licensed local plumbers provides comprehensive services to residents throughout Cedar City, Utah, including sump pump repair, sump pump maintenance, and sump pump replacement. 

We provide accurate estimates with flat rate pricing upfrontcall (435) 500-2576 to schedule your appointment with Iron Mountain Plumbing. 

Whether you love to cook or not, the kitchen sink is a high-traffic area in most homes. A clogged kitchen sink can bring your day to a screeching halt! 

If you’re frantically searching for a professional drain cleaning near me, Iron Mountain Plumbing has you covered. Here are some tips on what to avoid putting in your kitchen sink, what causes the kitchen sink to clog, and how to cope when disaster strikes. 

Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Clogs

Clogs in your kitchen sink drain can happen for a variety of reasons. Let’s go over the most common reasons sinks clog so you know what is okay to put down your sink and what should go in the trash to prevent blockages.

Food Scraps

Your garbage disposal is not indestructible. With your sink getting so much use at mealtimes, food particles end up slipping down the drain. While most foods don’t pose a threat to your garbage disposal, a couple of foods in particular can cause real problems when they accumulate in your drain over time:

• Starches: Pasta, potato, beans, and rice expand when they come into contact with water, so as they break down inside your drain, they create a sticky paste that’s hard to get rid of.
• Coffee grounds: Coffee beans have an oily exterior. When ground coffee gets wet, it expands, clumps together, and becomes extremely dense. This is a nightmare for your sink drain or garbage disposal. 
• Stringy or hard foods: You should always keep your sink clear of food particles, but there are a few foods to avoid putting down your garbage disposal. Stringy foods like celery should never go in the disposal, as they can wrap around the blades. Hard bones, fruit pits, and eggshells should also go in the trash.

Fat, Oil, or Grease

Bacon grease is perhaps the most notorious clogger of sink drains; most people know to steer clear of pouring hot fat oil or grease right down the drain. Grease, oil, and fat all solidify as they cool down, so if they go down your drain, they will create a sticky sediment that traps other food and attracts more grease, creating a big, difficult-to-remove mess. 

If grease does end up finding its way into your garbage disposal, it’s best to run cold water into the drain so the grease will harden and the blades of the disposal can chop it up more easily. 

Paper Towels

You know what a big, wet wad of paper towels looks like. Now imagine that in your sink drain. Nothing’s getting past that! Paper towels absorb water and expand, so putting them down your sink is never a good idea.

Small Objects

If you are the parent of a young child, you know there’s no limit to the variety of strange things that can end up being what causes the kitchen sink to clog, against all odds and reason. Even if you don’t have a little one trying to stuff your car keys down the drain, random things can still fall down the drain without you noticing. 

If you suspect something has gotten lodged in your pipes, you can try turning off the water, unscrewing the P or J pipe under your sink that keeps large items from going all the way down the drain, and retrieving the item.

Soap Scum

Many soaps contain animal fat, which can create problems in your pipes over time, just like grease. The fat particles from soap can mix with hard minerals in water to create a nasty scum around the interior of your pipes.

Tree Roots

If you’ve checked your pipes for clogs and small objects and still come up empty-handed, the problem might be coming from outside the house. If your sink clogs frequently, tree roots could be the culprit. 

Roots growing underground will look for cracks in the sewer line and continue growing there, leading to a massively backed-up pipe that releases via a sanitary sewer overflow. If this is the case, call a professional plumber right away for sewer repair. 

What Do I Do if I Think My Drain Is Clogged?

If you’ve determined that your drain is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:

• Run the garbage disposal: Try running the garbage disposal to see if it can break anything up. If your garbage disposal overloads, turn it off and reset the circuit breaker in case of a tripped switch.
• Use a plunger: Fill your sink with a few inches of water and try plunging for several minutes to loosen the clog.
• Use a drain snake: A drain snake uses a manual crank to push a wire deep into the pipes to break up the clog. This might not work the first time you try it, so try it a few times.
• Use an environmentally friendly drain cleaner: You might need some help dissolving the mass that is causing the clog. There are a lot of eco-friendly options on the market that are effective, less toxic than chemical drain cleaners, and don’t corrode your pipes over time.

Kitchen Sink Tips: How To Prevent Clogs

Once your sink is clear and free of clogs, you’ll want to keep it that way! Here are some tips for keeping your pipes running smoothly:

• Run water while the disposal is on to clear all scraps.
• Collect grease in a coffee can and throw it in the trash when full.
• Be reasonable with how much food you put into the garbage disposal so you don’t overload it.
• Clean out the disposal regularly.
• Clear out pipe build-up weekly by pouring a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain. 

Call Iron Mountain Plumbing for Clogged Kitchen Sink Repair and Drain Cleaning

At Iron Mountain Plumbing, our experienced plumbing professionals know what causes the kitchen sink to clog, how to fix it, and how to prevent it. Call us at 435-334-5617 for all your plumbing needs, from clogged sinks to sewer repair. Our qualified professionals are here to assist you!

Don’t settle for a leaking water heater. Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing today for a water heater inspection and repair service in St. George.

It’s easy to take your home’s hot water for granted if heated water consistently flows from your taps. Unfortunately, water heater leaks are common, so you might ask yourself, “Can you still use water if the water heater is leaking?”

At Iron Mountain Plumbing, our technicians have years of experience and training to work on various types of water heaters in St. George, Utah. We understand the potential problems that could arise from an untreated water heater leak and some of the confusion that often accompanies the issue. Below, we answer common questions about water heater leaks, including whether you can still use your water supply.

Potential Problems and Dangers of a Leaking Water Heater

A water heater leak is an example of a plumbing emergency. Though you might view the situation as inconvenient, the problem could produce many surprising consequences until you take immediate action.

For example, some water heater leaks are minor and wouldn’t require you to make big steps to address the problem. However, ignoring a minor leak could expose your home to expensive water damage, mold and mildew growth, and a poorly functioning water heater.

Still, water heaters can be dangerous and produce the following risks if they leak under certain circumstances:

• Flooding: Sometimes, water leaks can become major flood events due to the water pressure building up inside the water heater tank. A flood will leave your home more vulnerable to water damage, impacting its structural integrity.
• Scalding Water: Your water can overheat inside the tank if it leaks due to problems like a faulty T&P valve or temperature detector. Unless you turn off the water supply to the heater and repair the problem, you could burn yourself using the hot water tap.
• Gas Leak: If your water heater runs on gas, it could leak hazardous gas instead of water. The fuel poses a serious health risk and could trigger an explosion or fire if the gas leak is big enough.

Can You Use Water If the Water Heater Leaks?

You and your household rely on hot water for many activities. From bathing and cleaning to washing dishes and doing laundry, hot water is integral to your everyday life, so a water heater leak can be a significant inconvenience and a big source of frustration.

Can you still use water if a water heater is leaking? Technically, you can, but you should use the hot water supply sparingly until you can contact a qualified plumber to repair the appliance. Otherwise, you risk substantial water damage to your home, and you could put your safety at risk.

You can minimize the effects of the leak while you wait for help by turning off the water heater input. Doing this won’t affect your home’s water supply safety, but you’ll only have cold water flowing from your faucets.

Why Water Heaters Leak

Part of knowing how to spot a water heater leak is understanding how the problem can occur.

Loose or Faulty Valves and Pipes

One of the easiest ways to develop a water heater leak is to have a loose valve or pipe. Your equipment relies on several pipes to bring water into the storage tank or through the heat exchanger in a tankless heater. The valves control how much water enters the appliance.

If a valve or pipe becomes loose, water can seep from the top of the water heater, where you’ll find these components. They’re relatively simple to fix; simply tighten them with a wrench. However, you might need to replace these parts if tightening them doesn’t stop the leakage.

Damaged Tank

A lack of water heater maintenance can cause sediment to build up inside the tank. Eventually, the sediment will erode the bottom of the tank, causing water to pour from the base of the water heater. Prolonged exposure to high pressure inside the tank can also cause cracks to form, requiring a total water heater tank replacement.

High Pressure

High pressure goes hand-in-hand with water heaters since the heating process creates steam. If your storage tank has too much steam, it will increase the tank’s pressure enough to cause an explosion.

A leaking T&P valve could be the culprit. If so, you’ll need to reduce the heater’s temperature and replace the valve.

What to Do During a Water Heater Leak

If you wonder, “Can you still use water if a water heater is leaking?” you might think a quick fix will solve the problem and let you safely use your hot water. However, your leak could be more serious than you realize.

It’s always best to contact a plumbing professional to identify and fix any water heater leak. Still, you can follow these steps after confirming the leak to minimize complications while you wait for help.

• Turn Off the Water Heater’s Power: You must turn off the equipment’s power before repairs can begin.
• Shut Off the Water Supply: Next, avoid wasting water and energy by turning off the inlet valve on top of the water heater.
• Identify the Source of the Leak: Look to see where the water is coming from. If it’s at the top of the equipment, it could be loose piping. Pooling water under the heater means the tank has a crack.
• Remove Standing Water: Soak up as much water as possible to avoid structural damage and mold.

Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing for Your Water Heater Needs

Though the answer to “Can you still use water if a water heater is leaking?” is yes, you’d still need a qualified plumber to inspect and repair your equipment. At Iron Mountain Plumbing, we offer top-tier plumbing services to residents throughout St. George, Utah, and the surrounding areas.

We can quickly identify why the hot water heater stopped working and make the necessary appliance repairs. Our skilled and licensed technicians can also provide water heater replacement for old, outdated, and severely damaged equipment. Call (435) 422-4667 to book your appointment with Iron Mountain Plumbing today.

Do you have excessive amounts of iron in your water supply? Schedule a service appointment with Iron Mountain Plumbing. 

Does a water softener remove iron? Discover the answer and more in this helpful guide. We’ll discuss the importance of keeping iron out of your water, how effective water softeners are at removing iron, and the best ways to take iron out for the cleanest, healthiest water supply.

After reading about water softeners and iron, contact our professionals at Iron Mountain Plumbing to install a water softener in St. George, Utah. You’ll love our simple installation process, personable staff, and excellent customer service!

Why You Should Remove Iron From Your Water

Although we need iron in our bodies, it isn’t good to have iron in your water supply (even in small amounts). First, iron significantly affects your water’s taste, making cooking, drinking, and brushing your teeth unenjoyable with its noticeably bad taste. It also will turn your water an unappealing brown color, decreasing its appeal.

Any amount of iron can also start the unhealthy breeding of bacteria in your water, impacting its odor and potentially leading to gross growth behind your toilet. Finally, your plumbing and pipes may start to decline as the iron sticks and cause major clogs. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to invest in a solution that will effectively remove your water’s iron, helping you have better-tasting, healthier water and save money in the long run. 

The Two Main Types of Iron

You’ll find two primary types of water in your supply:

• Ferric Iron: Ferric, or red water iron, is an iron that you can see but doesn’t dissolve.
• Ferrous Iron: Ferrous, or clear water iron, does dissolve, and you can’t see it. 

Removing both types of iron is essential for having water that’s better to drink and use and protecting your property, pipes, and plumbing.

Are Water Softeners Good for Removing Iron?

Some homes contain hard water and large amounts of iron, giving the water softener an impossible job of filtering out iron effectively and preserving the lifespan of the resin bed. The resin bed frequently collects iron, resulting in a degraded system and the need for frequent replacements. You may also need iron cleaner solutions. 

Does a water softener remove iron? Yes, but it doesn’t remove all of it, leading to obvious staining and taste concerns. While water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, you’ll need additional support to address and take out iron. 

You still can use a water softener but should consider a water softener and iron removal combo, such as a softener with an iron filter. You also could invest in a water filtration system that can remove even the smallest amounts of iron, improving your water quality, taste, and smell.

Methods for Removing Iron From Your Water

Two excellent tips for removing iron from water are adding iron filters to your water softener and bringing your water’s pH slightly above or at neutral conditions. You can take it a step further and pair your water softener with a water filtration system for the most effective results.

Iron Filters

Iron filters are especially essential for water treatment systems, including softeners. A high-quality iron filter can supplement your softener system and could end up removing other bacteria in the process. They could use reverse osmosis, aeration, or a combination of various techniques to keep iron out of the supply and help you preserve your water softener system.

Treating Low pH

Water with a low pH (less than 7) is acidic, while 7 is neutral, and 8+ is alkaline. When water has too high of a pH, dissolvable iron will become ferric iron, making it much harder to filter out. However, low-pH water allows iron to dissolve easily, also creating an issue for effective removal.

Ideally, a pH of 7 to 8.5 is best for removing iron from a water supply. You’ll need to make some changes to your water’s pH before you can employ iron removal methods. One of the best ways to address low pH is to add sodium carbonate, which increases sodium and pH.

Working with a water treatment professional can help you tackle any pH issues and then move on to getting rid of iron, bacteria, and other contaminants. If you’re not sure where to begin or what products to purchase, it’s best to give them a call. Not only will they make recommendations based on your current situation, but they could also offer water treatment installation services and budget-friendly prices.

Water Filtration Systems and Softeners: The Best Solutions

Two of the top solutions for removing iron from your water is a combination of the following:

• Water filtration systems: Some plumbers will install whole-home filtration systems that filter out various contaminants and create better-tasting and smelling water with fewer bacteria and chemicals. Using this with a softener is a wise choice.
• Water softeners: Softeners address hard water by removing minerals like magnesium and calcium. If hard water is your only issue, this is the product for you. However, it’s simply not enough to address iron problems or remove it properly.

Although you might know about purchasing and maintaining a water softener, you may feel unfamiliar with water filtration systems. Fortunately, you can obtain a filtration system to support your softener, getting the best of both worlds and the most effective results from quality systems.

Schedule a consultation appointment to have a professional examine and test your water supply is an excellent place to start. 

Let Iron Mountain Plumbing Improve Your Property’s Water Quality

Now that we’ve covered “Does a water softener remove iron?” you can work with our trusted professionals and increase the water quality of your property in Cedar Valley, UT, or the surrounding areas. We can recommend filtration and softener systems for your needs.

If your water softener isn’t working properly or you’re tired of gross-tasting or brown water, contact Iron Mountain Plumbing for a water softener consultation appointment. Water softeners save you money, create cleaner water, and protect your plumbing. Call us today at (435) 422-4667 or book services online!

Is one backflow prevention device better than another? Make the wise choice and call Iron Mountain Plumbing!

Backflow is an unsanitary problem with nasty consequences for your health and property, not to mention the cleanup hassles involved. It could happen anytime, whether your plumbing system connects to the municipal water and sewage system or a septic tank. That’s why it pays to know which plumbing device prevents backflow best for your particular type of plumbing network.

What are the best backflow prevention methods available? Below, Iron Mountain Plumbing’s skilled plumbers in Cedar City, Utah, answer your backflow questions so that you can avoid this messy and inconvenient situation.

WHAT IS BACKFLOW?

Backflow refers to water flowing in the wrong direction or to where it doesn’t belong. A backflow issue often concerns wastewater infiltrating your property’s fresh drinking water pipes. However, anytime gray or black water breaches the same pipelines that carry your tap water, hazardous backflow problems and contamination issues arise.

Most municipal building and sewage codes require quality plumbing equipment to eliminate backflow risks. These codes aim to protect commercial and residential building occupants from unexpected sewage infiltration. However, it’s wise to take precautionary measures beyond just these basic regulations.

Another common backflow issue involves a leak from one of the pipes that direct dirty water away from your washing machine or sink. If this gray water leaks into your tap water line, you’ll notice the following:

• Bad smells
• Discolored water
• Sickness relating to consuming contaminated drinking water

Installing multiple backflow devices provides your family with extra protection. The devices counter the two most common causes of backflow: back pressure and back siphonage, both of which happen with sudden changes in water pressure.

BACK PRESSURE

Back pressure occurs when wastewater or sewage lines have a higher pressure than the tap water lines. Sewer line issues commonly cause a pressure buildup in this area of the plumbing, but the effect could also develop at the other end if freshwater lines suddenly experience a pressure drop.

If you have the plumbing fixtures below, back-pressure plumbing issues will be more likely to occur:

• Elevated tanks
• Water pumps
• Boilers
• Outdoor irrigation

Back Siphonage

The issue of back siphonage starts with suction as the tap water lines draw wastewater in the wrong direction. Damaged water mains or municipal line repairs often cause back siphonage because, while the tap water supply’s pressure remains constant, the wastewater lines that the repair team is working on lose pressure. At that point, your property’s tap water lines’ pressure will exceed that of the sewer lines, and they’ll start to siphon wastewater toward your freshwater supply.

How To Tell Whether You Have a Backflow Problem

One step before knowing which plumbing device prevents backflow is recognizing the backflow problem before it gets too far up your pipe network. So, how can you tell when a backflow intrusion has developed? You might detect the following symptoms of backflow beginning to happen:

• Slow drainage: Does your tub or sink take ages to drain? Ask a team like Iron Mountain Plumbing to test your water quality and check for backflow issues.
• Low water pressure: Sudden dips in water pressure are concerning, as they weaken your pipes. A plumber will need to urgently check your plumbing system for a backflow breach.
• Strange water taste: Water’s flavor depends on its mineral content. A higher mineral count tastes earthier, and this can change seasonally. However, foul or off-putting flavors require an immediate analysis in the interests of health and safety.
• Dirty-looking water: Water might acquire a pink, yellow, or brown tinge following backflow contamination. If you notice a freshly filled glass looks different, put it down and contact a plumber.
• Smells: Sewage contamination passes stinky gasses into the water supply, which build up in your pipes and release as you turn on a faucet. Trust your nose; it knows when to call a plumber.
• Sediment: Backflow introduces contaminants into your water supply. If you notice floating particles, don’t wait to request a water test from a qualified plumbing company.

Which Plumbing Device Prevents Backflow?

Since backflow develops in a complicated system of pipes and connecting parts, it’s helpful to install a plumbing device that offers complete cross-connection control. Consider the following prevention and anti-siphon devices to interrupt pressure changes and seal your freshwater:

Pressure Vacuum Breaker

Pressure vacuum breakers work best when installed near your main water source. The breaker detects pressure levels and shuts off access following a sudden change. Plumbers pair this device with hose bibbs and flush valves.

Check Valves

Check valves regulate water flow in one predetermined direction, making backflow difficult. The valve senses pressure on each side, so high outgoing and low incoming pressure will keep it open. When it senses low outgoing pressure, the trigger will seal the valve.

Many sewer technicians install check valves directly into water pipelines.

Air Gaps

Air gaps are small pressure cushions that stop wastewater from contaminating tap water by creating a gap or bubble to separate incoming and outgoing flow. Homeowners might use these devices to prevent dirty water from infiltrating the sink faucets as it leaves the dishwasher.

Should You Invest in Backflow Prevention?

Which plumbing device prevents backflow the best? The answer depends on where the potential contamination might occur.

All buildings should have backflow devices near their water meters, especially with irrigation connections. However, you might also want to consider installing backflow prevention devices whenever you install a new water appliance.

Since dishwashers, washing machines, boilers, and pumps require pressure to move their contents, they require cross connections to supply and empty their water levels. Choosing the perfect backflow prevention device for the appliances is the best way to protect your freshwater supply.

Let Iron Mountain Plumbing Help You Protect Your Water!

Which plumbing device prevents backflow besides pressure vacuum breakers, air gaps, and check valves? Find out from Iron Mountain Plumbing! The team can tell you why your toilet is bubbling when the shower is running and anything else you need to know.

Don’t wait until backflow chaos erupts; call Iron Mountain Plumbing at (435) 334-5617 today for preventative solutions and more!

Water heaters are essential for the operation of every home, helping property owners relax with hot showers, clean clothes and glassware, and more. However, like all other major appliances, water heaters eventually require replacement. Since not all homeowners know when it’s time to ditch their old and inefficient unit, we crafted this guide to answer the question, “When should a water heater be replaced?”

Once you know the key signs you should replace your water heater, you can contact the business that offers St. George’s reliable water heater replacement. Read more about common signs you need a replacement, then contact Iron Mountain Plumbing to schedule a service appointment or obtain a free quote.

Your Hot Water Heater Is Leaking

When water heaters start to lose their efficiency and reach their expiration date, they’re more likely to experience major leaks. Even a small leak can quickly turn disastrous, causing water damage and destroying flooring, belongings, and furniture. Leaks can also spread mold and mildew growth throughout your home, so you’ll need to call professionals for removal and remediation services and budget for this unexpected expense.

Leaks from the water heater tank might require repair services if they’re small enough. However, larger leaks will eventually require a hot water heater replacement to address a struggling system. Pipe and connection leaks aren’t too troublesome, but a tank leak calls for urgent replacement.

Your Water Heater Is Old and Struggling

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your heater, consider its age. You can check its serial number to see the time of year and season when manufacturers produced the appliance. Many water heaters typically last between eight and 10 years but can decline earlier from internal problems or a lack of maintenance.

Hard water can also decrease your water heater’s expected lifespan, but adding a water softener system when you replace your water heater can help the new appliance last longer. Finally, the type of water heater you have contributes to its lifespan:

• Electric water heaters often operate for eight to 12 years.
• Gas water heaters may last anywhere between 10 to 15 years.

The Heater Makes Loud and Unusual Noises

Sediment buildup is one of the most common reasons for strange noises coming from your water heater. You’ll need to flush out and clean your system to protect it. Your water heater will also take longer to heat up as it ages and could experience loud noises because of it.

If you notice odd noises coming from your water heater, you’ll need to take action immediately, as replacement services are potentially the best next step to take. When you hear loud sounds from your water heater, you should:

• Schedule a consultation
• Determine the cause of the noises
• Flush sediment or replace the hot water heater

Your Water Supply Is Discolored, Rusty, or Cloudy

When should a water heater be replaced? Cloudy, rusty, or discolored water that doesn’t go away is a major clue that replacement is on the horizon. If you haven’t used your water heater in a long time, such as after going on vacation, you might temporarily have some rust. When it becomes a problem is when the discoloration doesn’t go away.

Discolored and cloudy water often occurs due to sediment buildup, putting excessive wear and tear on your system. If a cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s potentially too old to provide you with clear water. Speaking to a service professional can help you decide what to do next.

Your Water Heater Can’t Provide Hot Water

The most alarming sign of a faulty water heater is its inability to provide hot water. You could have countless instances of cold water, barely warm water, or small periods of hot water. Overall, this indicates your current water heater can’t keep up with your home’s hot water demands.

Having an ill-performing water heater is even more alarming if you have a rising utility bill that gets worse each month. A water heater that isn’t doing its job and wasting your money is a telltale sign you need to replace it. You can work with your local plumbing business to see what kind of water heater can best meet your needs and remain within your budget.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

If your water heater isn’t yet at the end of its lifespan, you might struggle to decide if you should repair or replace the appliance. A system that requires repeated repairs and is costing you a small fortune to operate would benefit from an upgrade. Think about the following key factors:

• How many recent repairs you’ve had
• The current and expected age of your water heater
• Your monthly bills
• Water quality in your area

When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to contact a water heater service technician. Not only will they take a look at your current water heater, but they also will recommend whether it’s more effective to repair or replace your system. Their years of experience will prove extremely valuable.

Picking Out the Right Water Heater for Your Needs

Although choosing a new water heater is a tough decision for some, you can consider the following factors:

• Your price range
• Energy efficiency
• Gas vs. electric (fuel cost and availability)
• Water heater size
• Available brands and models

Reach out to Iron Mountain Plumbing to explore your water heater replacement options in Cedar City, Utah!

Schedule Professional Water Heater Replacement Services With Iron Mountain Plumbing Today!

We hope you now have a better answer to, “When should a water heater be replaced?” At Iron Mountain Plumbing, we thoroughly understand and service all types of hot water heaters, including tankless systems. We also provide helpful blog posts to help our clients learn more about their appliances, covering topics like removing calcium from water heaters and more.

Receive trusted services for your water heater with the help of Iron Mountain Plumbing! We proudly serve Cedar City, Utah, and many more surrounding communities. Call us today at (435) 334-5617 or book a service appointment online.

You may have heard online or among friends that hard water can hurt your body, even your hair. Perhaps you’ve blown off their comments as parroting fad statements peddled by the newest “clarifying shampoo.”

However, the science behind these statements could prove the assertion true. Does hard water cause hair loss? As the top company for water softener installation in St. George, Utah, Iron Mountain Plumbing technicians have answers.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals through absorption. While having some minerals in your water is normal and necessary, the amount of said minerals determines its effects. 

The EPA measures water softness or hardness by grains per gallon (gpg). By this measurement, one grain is 0.002 ounces of calcium or magnesium carbonate in a gallon of water.

Soft water typically tops at only 3 gpg, while moderate water has 3.5 to 7 gpg. Water with over 7.5 gpg is hard water. Exceedingly high calcium and magnesium content may appear in well, mineral, or high-pH water. 

Over 70% of U.S. wells have consistently hard water, and companies typically only offer preliminary softening treatment. While hard water reportedly doesn’t harm people’s health, it can negatively affect your property.

The Effects of Hard Water

The high mineral content in hard water can leave mineral deposits in pipes, making them more difficult to use. If you have hard water in your area, it affects every tool using water in your household.

For example, mineral buildup makes coffeemakers less efficient at filtering. Your water heater can cause more mineral development due to the high volumes of liquid and the heating process. Moreover, while harmless, water spots and stains on your dishes from the dishwasher look displeasing.

As the minerals build up, they can clog and degrade the quality of pipes, faucets, and appliances. Hard water can reduce their usable lifespans by weeks, if not months, based on how hard it is. The limescale buildup and reduced water pressure and flow could lead to clogs requiring professional help.

How Hard Water Can Affect Your Hair

Minding these factors, we find it’s fair to ask, “Does hard water cause hair loss?” Indeed, local water conditions can become a primary factor in non-genetic hair loss. Why is that when we can drink hard water?

Drinking hard water may not hurt your body because we naturally absorb and use calcium and magnesium. However, the same can’t be said for using it on our bodies.

Lack of Lather = Lack of Effectiveness

We use soap to remove debris, residue, and dead skin from our bodies. The lather removes dirt and grease by increasing the water’s surface tension. Increased surface tension means more friction, allowing users to clean their skin.

However, high mineral counts in water can affect the efficiency of soap, which some argue is directly related to our health. Magnesium and calcium carbonate hinder lathering, meaning the soap doesn’t pick up as much grime. Your body ends up less clean overall.

Making Layers on Your Skin

Have you ever felt a sort of scummy feeling after taking a shower? While certain soaps can produce that sensation, hard water could also be the culprit.

When the lather doesn’t work effectively, the minerals building up in pipes and faucets stay on your skin. This is why hard water is fine to drink but a systemic nightmare for bathing. Moreover, hard water can taste disgusting.

No current studies have shown that the layers prevent us from absorbing vitamin D from the sun. However, the calcium and magnesium buildups affect us by:

• Clogging pores
• Making hair strands tackier or more brittle
• Sometimes leading to bacterial growth and infections
• Preventing nourishing effects from shampoos and conditioners

Hard Water and Hair Loss

While the minerals don’t hurt your body, excess amounts can prevent it from functioning normally. It may lose volume and dry out without the ability to clean or nourish your hair. The damaged hair may then break off after a time.

Does hard water cause hair loss? In this case, the water is a contributing factor. Contrary to some reports, this may influence your mental, physical, or emotional health.

What You Can Do About Hard Water

The technicians at Iron Mountain Plumbing don’t like presenting problems without solutions. We have a few things you can try to help save your hair and maybe your sanity, too.

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Some clarifying shampoo gimmick statements may not be completely off the mark.

Calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate have high pH levels between 9 to 11. Many shampoos have a high pH range of 3.5 to 5. With the addition of salt-removing ingredients, lower-pH clarifying shampoos can remove residue from your scalp.

However, we recommend consulting a dermatologist or cosmetologist before washing your hair with a product that may react negatively with your skin.

Use Leave-In Conditioners

Instead of combatting the mineral residue by stripping it away, leave-in conditioners give your scalp more time to absorb nutrients. This process helps bypass the layer of salts on your scalp and nourish your hair. However, like clarifying shampoos, these solutions are only temporary if you have hard water.

Install a Shower Filter

You can find a shower filter at a local hardware store to put on and reduce the minerals in your water. Many of these filters work on calcium, chlorine, magnesium, and other larger substances. 

Call Us To Install Your Water Softener

Does hard water cause hair loss? In simple terms, it can. Thankfully, we have the best solution.

Water softeners work more efficiently than shower filters, leave-in conditioners, and clarifying shampoos to reduce exposure to hard water. You can rely on our expert team for an easy installation. Iron Mountain Plumbing offers top-quality customer support and 24/7 emergency care in and around St. George, UT.

Call (435) 500-2576 today to learn how to know if you have hard water, which filters work best for your area, and more!

Have you noticed a weird gurgling sound when you flush your toilet? If so, you’re probably wondering, “Can a gurgling toilet fix itself?” Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about why your toilet gurgles and how to fix it.

As the most trusted plumbers in Cedar City, Utah, Iron Mountain Plumbing can fix your toilet quickly and with long-lasting results. Don’t waste your time and energy with DIY solutions when we make the process stress-free and affordable.

What Causes a Gurgling Toilet?

To understand why your toilet gurgles, you should first know how it works. When you flush the toilet, the water from the tank floods into the bowl, forcing the wastewater down into the toilet’s trap. This creates negative air pressure that pulls the water further into the pipes.

The water travels to your sewer line, where it combines with the waste from the rest of the neighborhood. As it exits your home, the fumes and exhaust from the sewage exit through the vent pipe that runs from your pipes up through the roof of your home.

A gurgling toilet means you have a blockage somewhere in your plumbing. The sound occurs when the formerly blocked water finally exits your pipes. The clog could reside in any of the following places:

• Your toilet’s P-trap
• A pipe within your home
• Your sewer line
• The vent pipe or stack

Why a Gurgling Toilet Won’t Fix Itself

Can a gurgling toilet fix itself? No, it won’t; when you hear gurgling in your toilet, it’s time to call in a professional plumber because the problem won’t resolve without help. 

The gurgling might stop for a time, but it always returns because blockages in your pipes don’t dislodge themselves. While many people think removing a clog yourself is the affordable and easy answer, doing so can cause significant problems for your pipes. Depending on the construction material, condition, and the type of clearing method you use, you could cause enough damage to burst your pipe and flood your home. Both the sewage and the drain cleaning chemicals can produce toxic fumes that seriously hurt your health if you handle them improperly.

How To Prevent Clogs in Your Toilet

The best way to deal with a clogged toilet is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Practice these habits to help prevent blocked toilets:

• Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials down the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, or kitty litter.
• Consider whether energy-efficient toilets are worth it, because the low flow rate makes them more susceptible to blockages.
• Regularly clean the tank and bowl.
• Schedule an annual inspection with a plumber to verify your pipes, drains, and sewer line are free of potential clogs.

How To Fix a Gurgling Toilet

How do the professionals fix a gurgling toilet? Depending on the severity and location of the clog, they’ll use any of the following methods.

Plunging the Toilet

Plunging the toilet is an easy and affordable way to clear minor blockages that are close to your toilet bowl. A plunger creates negative pressure that forces a surge of air through the pipes and dislodges the clog.

A flange plunger is better for removing toilet clogs, whereas the traditional bell-shaped plunger works better for sinks. The plumber will fill the flange plunger with water to act like a powerful water jet that increases the chances of dislodging the blockage.

Snaking the Toilet

If the clog offers moderate resistance or resides deeper into your pipes, the plumber can use a snake to reach far into the pipes and break down buildup. A snake is a long cable fitted with a screw-like ending. When the snake reaches the blockage, the plumber can twist or jam the snake into it, breaking down the conglomeration into smaller pieces. They can then use a plunger or flush the toilet to expel the clog from the pipes.

Clearing the Vent Stack

A clogged vent stack can cause the gurgling without blocking the flow of water. However, blocked vent pipes are still a problem because the foul sewer exhaust can enter your home and cause severe health problems and disease.

Your plumber can climb onto your roof and examine your vent stack for blockages. The most common causes of clogged vent pipes are nesting animals, leaves, or snow and ice. They can then use their hands or a snake to remove any blockages they find.

If none of those methods work, the plumber can dump hot or pressurized water down the stack to flush the blockage into your drainage system and out of your home.

Auguring the Sewer Line

If they believe the problem is a clog in the sewer line, your plumber can inspect it by entering through the basement or a capped pipe often located outdoors. For sewer line clogs, the plumber most often uses an augur, which is essentially a motorized snake. Able to reach much deeper than a manual snake, the augur uses its mechanical power to grind the blockage into tiny pieces.

Video Inspection

If the plumber can’t locate the clog, they can use a closed-circuit camera attached to a long cable. They thread the cable through the pipe work to determine the location and makeup of the blockage.

Hydrojetting

Hydrojetting uses pressurized water to break down the clog and expel it from your pipes. Hydrojetting can remove even the most stubborn blockages, like tree roots, but doesn’t risk damage to your pipes like an augur does.

Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

Can a gurgling toilet fix itself? Unfortunately, no, and leaving it alone only leads to more severe clogging. When you hear your toilet gurgling, call Iron Mountain Plumbing immediately so we can prevent further complications.

From a bad toilet flapper to installing a brand new toilet, no job is too small. We approach every appointment with 100% dedication and work hard to leave you satisfied with our long-lasting and effective solutions. To book an appointment, call 435•383•3813.

Author Bio:
Daniel Tanner
Owner / Managing Member. Iron Mountain Plumbing is located in Cedar City, Utah. This organization primarily operates in the Plumbing Contractors business / industry within the Construction – Special Trade Contractors sector.

It’s easy to forget about your water heater as long as it works as it should. However, if you haven’t scheduled professional maintenance in a few years, your water heater may have hidden damage that could lead to an explosion. 

If you think your water heater could explode, you may think the best course of action is to cut the power. But can a water heater explode if turned off?

While turning off the water heater may work as a short-term solution, the safest thing to do is to call Iron Mountain Plumbing to schedule professional water heater services in St. George, Utah.

 

What Causes a Water Heater to Explode?

If you have an electric water heater, you may think you’re safe from an explosion, but that isn’t true. Gas leaks can cause explosions, but that’s not the only reason a water heater could explode.

The two main factors of a hot water heater explosion are excessive heat and internal pressure. Those factors, combined with malfunctioning safety components, can create an explosive force that destroys your home and injures your family.

As water heats up, thermal expansion increases pressure inside your water heater. Sediment inside the tank caused by rust or excess minerals acts as unwanted insulation, raising the temperature even more.

 

The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

Known in the industry as the T&P valve, the temperature and pressure relief valve monitors changes within your water heater. If the temperature or internal pressure climbs to dangerous levels, the T&P valve opens, and cool water enters the tank to prevent an explosion.

There are two ways the T&P valve can malfunction. If it doesn’t open at all, pressure will continue to build until you have a disaster on your hands. If the valve stays open at all times, the water heater can’t maintain a consistent temperature and pressure level and could explode.

 

Signs of a Dangerous Water Heater

Water heater explosions are not as common as they once were, thanks to modern safety measures. Even with these measures in place, though, water heaters do explode sometimes. 

Can a water heater explode if turned off? If you suspect your water heater is about to explode, it’s safe to turn it off and call for emergency service. However, you shouldn’t plan to turn your water heater off as a form of maintenance. 

Call a qualified professional as soon as you notice any of the following signs.

 

Crackling or Popping Sounds 

Naturally occurring minerals in your water supply, like calcium and magnesium, build up inside your water heater tank over time. Air and water can end up trapped beneath the sediment layer, causing pressure to build up. High pressure creates the cracking and popping sounds.

Mysterious noises are often some of the early warning signs of water heater trouble. Hiring a professional to flush the tank and remove the sediment can restore a safe level of pressure inside the water heater.

 

Discolored Water

Orange or brown water could let you know you have too much sediment in your water heater before it starts to make popping sounds. Discolored water is an indication that your hot water heater could explode and that the water is not safe to drink. Don’t consume any water until a professional services your water heater and deems the water supply safe.

 

High Water Pressure

Everyone knows about the inconvenience of low water pressure, but did you know high water pressure is an even bigger problem? Your hot water heater has a safety feature called a pressure valve. It prevents too much pressure from building up as the tank heats water. If the pressure valve malfunctions, excessive pressure could build up inside the tank and create unusually high water pressure.

 

Shaking Water Tank

If the tank of your hot water heater starts shaking or vibrating, the pressure is dangerously high, and it could explode at any moment. Don’t hesitate to call for emergency service to avoid serious injury.

 

Extremely Hot Water

Your hot water heater has a thermostat to ensure it heats the water enough to kill bacteria but not so much that scalding hot water comes out of the faucet. A faulty thermostat could lead to dangerously hot water. The combination of high temperature and pressure could cause an explosion.

 

Rotten Egg Smell

If you have a gas water heater, stay alert for a rotten egg smell. Natural gas doesn’t have an odor, so the gas company adds a smell similar to sulfur. If you smell rotten eggs in your home or near your hot water heater, you could have a gas leak. Turn off the gas valve immediately and evacuate your home before calling 9-1-1 to report the gas leak.

 

How to Keep Your Water Heater From Exploding

You know your water heater could explode if it has too much sediment, a gas leak, or damaged safety components. The best way to know your water heater is safe is by scheduling regular maintenance. A qualified professional can check for corrosion and damaged parts that could make your water tank unsafe. Replacing damaged parts can help prevent your water heater from exploding. 

Regular maintenance can keep you safe and lower your monthly bills. The longer a water heater operates with too much corrosion or damaged parts, the less efficient it is at providing hot water. A well-maintained water heater works more efficiently by using less energy to provide hot water for you and your family.

 

Stay Safe With Regular Water Heater Service

When your water heater creates too much pressure and the water temperature climbs to an unsafe level, your water heater could explode. Scheduling professional maintenance can help avoid serious problems by correcting small issues along the way. 

Can a water heater explode if turned off? No, but you don’t want to think of turning your water heater off as a safety measure in place of professional water heater repair. To schedule service with Iron Mountain Plumbing, call 435•383•3813 or book online through our contact form.

Author Bio:
Daniel Tanner
Owner / Managing Member. Iron Mountain Plumbing is located in Cedar City, Utah. This organization primarily operates in the Plumbing Contractors business / industry within the Construction – Special Trade Contractors sector.

Every St. George, Utah, homeowner needs clean water to drink and bathe in. Installing a top-notch water softener on your property is one of the best ways to ensure your home supplies fresh, mineral-free water that won’t adversely affect your health or plumbing system. However, many residents don’t know whether water softeners remove chlorine from their water supply, making them hesitant to purchase such a device.

So, does a water softener remove chlorine? To teach you more about water softeners, Iron Mountain Plumbing created this short guide explaining their function and filter capabilities.

Iron Mountain Plumbing is one of St. George, Utah’s leading professional plumbing companies. If you want top-quality water softener services in St. George, UT, contact Iron Mountain Plumbing.

 

What Is a Water Softener?

Water softeners are residential filtration systems that eliminate minerals from your home’s water supply. They convert hard water (water with high mineral content) into soft water (water with minimal or no minerals), significantly improving water quality and preventing issues that negatively impact your pipes and plumbing fixtures. Without a water softener, your plumbing system is vulnerable to scale buildup, decreased water pressure, and burst pipes.

Water softeners eliminate minerals through a process known as ion exchange. They push hard water through numerous polystyrene resin beads (or something similar) that grasp the mineral ions as the water flows through them, eradicating the minerals before they reach your home. 

 

Why Remove Chlorine From Your Home’s Water Supply?

Although trace amounts of chlorine help sanitize water by eradicating potentially dangerous organisms while preventing future growth, chlorine can be detrimental in large quantities. It can make your drinking water taste a bit off and can cause your hair and skin to dry out. Excess chlorine within your water supply can also lead to:

• •  Strange or foul-smelling water

• •  Bleached clothes

• •  Piping issues

•  Damaged rubber gaskets

 

Will a Water Softener Remove Chlorine From Your Water?

So, does a water softener remove chlorine from residential water supplies?

Although high-quality water softeners will remove some chlorine from your water, this isn’t their primary purpose. Water softeners prioritize removing minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium over other elements like chlorine. Their main objective is to convert hard water into soft water to make it taste better and prevent various issues within your piping system. 

Excessive chlorine can adversely affect your water softener’s performance, longevity, and quality. When chlorine levels exceed one ppm (parts per million), they can destroy the polystyrene bead resin within the unit, drastically diminishing its performance. It won’t be able to generate soft water as well, leaving you with unsatisfactory water you’ll want to avoid. 

High chlorine levels may also shorten your water softener’s lifespan by several years, forcing you to replace your unit prematurely. They will destroy the device’s gaskets, pistons, gears, and other mechanisms that are often costly to repair.

 

How To Remove Chlorine From Your Water

Although traditional water softeners won’t eliminate chlorine from your water supply, there are ways to eradicate it and improve your home’s water quality. Below are a few effective ways to remove chlorine from your water.

 

Add Granular Activated Carbon to Your Water Softener

Adding granular activated carbon (GAC) to your water softener’s resin bed is a surefire way to reduce chlorine and improve water quality. It combines with the softener’s resin, allowing it to filter out excess chlorine before reaching your plumbing fixtures. The mixture can last up to three years, ensuring your water stays safe and chlorine-free.

However, it’s important to note that traditional water softener resin can last up to ten years without granular activated carbon. It’s incredibly hard to remove GAC once it combines with the resin, requiring you to replace the resin when it’s time to refill the GAC. 

 

Install a Reverse Osmosis System

Installing a top-quality reverse osmosis system on your property is one of the best ways to eliminate chlorine from your water supply. Reverse osmosis systems push water through multiple membranes and filters that catch chlorine and remove it from the water. 

Pairing a reverse osmosis system with a water softener will improve water quality while reducing your softener’s wear and tear. The reverse osmosis device eradicates chlorine from the water before it reaches your softener, helping it preserve its internal components while giving you a second line of defense against contaminants.

 

Invest in Whole-House Filters

Whole-house filters act like traditional filters but indiscriminately treat the water in every plumbing fixture. They efficiently remove chlorine and other adverse minerals before the water reaches your glass, providing tasty, clean hydration for you and your family.

However, keep in mind that whole-house filters don’t convert hard water into soft water, so you’ll still need a water softener. That said, there are all-in-one devices that both filter and soften water. While these systems usually cost a bit more than traditional filters and softeners, they prevent you from buying and installing two separate units.

In short, while most water softeners remove small amounts of chlorine from your home’s water supply, they don’t eliminate all of it. To avoid chlorinated water, you must install an additional system or enhance the softer with upgrades or granular activated carbon. 

If you’re unsure which water softener and/or filter works best for your home or need professional installation services, contact Iron Mountain Plumbing. Our team will handle all your water purification needs at a price that fits your budget.

 

Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing for Exceptional Plumbing Services in St. George, Utah

If you’re unhappy with your home’s water quality and wonder, “Does a water softener remove chlorine?” contact Iron Mountain Plumbing. We are your trusted whole-home water filtration service in St. George, Utah, and will ensure your water remains safe and pristine year-round. Regardless of your plumbing needs, our team has the experience and expertise to get the job done.

Give Iron Mountain Plumbing a call at (435) 422-4667, and see what our plumbers can do for you in St. George, Utah, today!

Author Bio:
Daniel Tanner
Owner / Managing Member. Iron Mountain Plumbing is located in Cedar City, Utah. This organization primarily operates in the Plumbing Contractors business / industry within the Construction – Special Trade Contractors sector.