Plumbing problems don't always present themselves immediately. In some cases, they can even go unnoticed until they become serious. Call a licensed plumber immediately if you notice any signs of a leak or other issues in your home's water system, do not attempt to fix them on your own. 

It has been estimated that over half of American homes have at least one plumbing issue. The good news is that these issues usually aren't too complicated. For homeowners who know what to look out for, many common plumbing repairs can be done quickly.

However, it is essential to note that many plumbing issues require professional attention.

Compliance is an integral part of any significant plumbing work. Regulations are typically set aside to ensure plumbers or anyone with plumbing expertise operates safely and reduces the risks to the environment and the entire plumbing system.

Additionally, plumbing codes are put in place to provide legal backing in case of sloppy workmanship or if claims arise because of an issue. For example, in accidents due to poor plumbing, the authorities can make informed legal decisions based on the existing plumbing codes.

Without plumbing expertise or certification, it is easy to violate a plumbing code. A simple unintentional mistake can lead to a chain of events that affects the entire municipal plumbing system.

This exposes you to fines and possible stringent measures. A well-trained and certified plumber understands every plumbing code and will ensure every service they provide is fully compliant with existing plumbing codes.

DIY plumbing mistakes can be costly. If you try to fix a leaking pipe and break it accidentally, you can cause water damage to your home. Depending on the magnitude, water damage can be costly, especially when it comes to restoration and mitigation.

Spending much more on water damage repairs is easy when attempting DIY plumbing. Therefore, ensure you surrender any plumbing work to a professional who understands plumbing systems and how to avoid possible water damage during repairs.

A typical plumbing repair job requires various tools and precisely-measured plumbing parts such as water pipes. It is crucial that when fixing pipes and plumbing systems, you should match everything according to specifications.

Using the wrong-sized valve or connector can lead to a pressure buildup and pipe leaks. Water leaks can be hazardous, especially if you have electrical appliances or connections near these leaks. Moreover, burst pipes can cause internal flooding, which is dangerous if you have pets or children at home.

Without any notable expertise or experience, DIY plumbing has almost no objective. On the other hand, a plumber has years of training and experience and is certified to perform any plumbing service. A plumber is skilled in handling any plumbing issue, whether small or large.

Besides having the technical know-how, a plumber is mostly equipped with specialized tools for a complex plumbing project. Usage of such tools requires additional training for safety and efficiency. Since a "DIY plumber" usually lacks in most of the above requirements, they won't fulfill the intended long-term fix. 

Knowledge and skills are elemental for any project of any magnitude. On the one hand, DIY plumbing can save you money while giving you some form of satisfaction. On the other hand, DIY plumbing can worsen the damage and cost you a lot more in repairs.

Hiring a professional plumber can cost variable amounts of money. However, for such an investment, you are securing your safety and the integrity of your plumbing system. In addition, hiring a plumber saves you time since a plumber knows what to look for and diagnose in a plumbing system.

Hire An Expert Plumber in Phoenix Arizona

Moon Valley Plumbing is a reputable plumbing company that provides service to home and business owners in Phoenix, AZ. With our professional services, you can avoid the harsh consequences of DIY plumbing. We provide emergency repair services using state-of-the-art advanced technology.

 to schedule plumbing repair services in Phoenix, Arizona.

DIY Plumbing Mistakes: Why You Shouldn't Do Your Own Plumbing

DIY Plumbing Mistakes - Why You Shouldn't Do You Own Plumbing

How often have you gotten home craving a long warm shower but couldn't enjoy it because the water pressure was too low? For most water appliances in our homes, water pressure makes all the difference. Extremely high-pressure or low-pressure can bring issues, particularly regarding the safety and the lifespan of your plumbing system and appliances.

Understanding how a pressure reducing valve works makes all the difference when dealing with any plumbing concern. Attempting to DIY a plumbing problem can result in more dreadful and costly 

. If you are within Phoenix, Arizona, and need residential or commercial plumbing and rooting services, 

Before narrowing down to how a pressure reducing valve works, understanding what it is, the key components, and the function is critical.

A pressure reducing valve is a self-operating, hydraulic control valve designed in a way that regulates the force of water to the necessitated value. Regardless of the differences between inlet and outlet water pressure, a pressure reducing valve responds instantly to function with the varying demand.

Today, most plumbing systems have a preinstalled pressure reducing valve; however, after about ten years of using the pressure reducing valve, it's recommended to have it replaced.

Main components of a pressure reducing valve

The pressure reducing valve is made up of different components to meet the ultimate function of maintaining a steady upstream and downstream pressure. These include:

 – The valve's body accommodates an internal V port plug that helps give a stable and accurate response for pressure regulation and flow return.

 – This is often understood as the valve's brain. The pilot regulator is meant to shape the inflow and outflow of water between the control chamber of the pressure reducing valve.

 – Before water gets into the hydraulic parts, it's filtered in the control filter to increase the reliability of the control valve. Also, it offers opportunities for minimum maintenance.

With the control valve in its closed position and the adjusting screw uncalibrated, upstream water pressure begins to flow in the diaphragm, and no force is available yet to push the open valve.

As the upstream pressure gets into the drip after passing through the filter, the water supply regulator reduces the pressure moving it into the pilot, where a pilot plug blocks flow. When the adjusting screw is calibrated, the supply pressure fills the control valve, opening the valve to give upstream pressure.

Primarily, the pressure in the pilot guides the valve on the right course of action. Immediately pressure is vented, the pilot diaphragm decompresses, and the pressure supply recycles.

Under proper water pressure calibration and consistent water flow, the pressure reducing valve should open and close by small percentages to guarantee adherence to the set point. In automatically regulated pressure reducing valves, they work with the help of a sensor line protector that controls pressurization.

How do you check the water pressure in your plumbing system?

If you think that the plumbing system in your premises could be having an issue, checking the water pressure could likely give you clues about the actual problem.

So, how do you check the water pressure? It's as easy as opening the spigot on the pressure gauge on one of the pipes. The gauges you see when you open the tap indicate everything about your house's water pressure. You can source these pressure gauges in Phoenix at almost any hardware or through Moon Valley Plumbing.

Alternatively, you can use a smart water security system to monitor water pressure and detect any possible plumbing issues in real-time. To learn more about this technology and how such plumbing fixtures can monitor your water pressure within Phoenix, reach out to the 

Imagine getting home to a flooded house because of a leak? It is fundamental to maintain the recommended water pressure, whether it's a water pipe, appliance, or fixture.

Usually, each of these products is designed to withstand water pressure to certain limits, usually between 60 to 80 psi. When any of the water lines, pipes, water heaters, and faucets are exposed to high water pressure, they wear down faster than expected.

Get Help from the Plumbing Experts at Moon Valley Plumbing

Low or high water pressure can be a nuisance compared to regular running water. If you are experiencing commercial or residential plumbing and rooting problems in Phoenix, Moon Valley Plumbing would be glad to help.  24-hour emergency services available.

Plumbing services we can help you with include water heater installation, water line, cooler leaks, pipe and drain repair, and cleaning, just to name a few. Regardless of the complexity of your plumbing problems, 

 today, and let us sort out the plumbing system for you.

How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work? 

How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work

Clogging is a significant problem in residential and commercial developments as it creates severe issues in the sewer system. Clogs in your sewer lines can create enough pressure to cause 

 in your drain lines. You need to contact professional plumbing services when you notice any issue with your drain lines. 

, we offer honest, high-quality, and professional plumbing services in Arizona. We also provide high-grade sewer cleaning tools in Phoenix. 

 to guide us on the equipment to carry for the plumbing job. We mainly enquire about the type of drain and the type of clog.

At Moon Valley Plumbing, we use a 3/8 cable for clearing a slow-draining tub or clogs in tubs and showers. If the clog cannot be reached through the overflow and drain, we will go on the roof and cable through the roof vent.

The closet auger is the appropriate tool for clearing a stoppage in a toilet. It has a spring that makes it flexible to go through the tight bend in a bowl. We use a telescoping auger for clogs beyond the bowl. We use the urinal auger for urinals as it can go through tight bends.

We recommend using handheld models with ¼, 5/16, or 3/8 inch cables as they are suitable for clearing all small diameter drain lines. 

There are wide varieties of machines you can use to clear small floor drains with added features. The most suitable tool for unblocking 2-4 inch drain lines is that with a 3/8 or ½-inch cable. 

We use heavy-duty sewer cleaning tools with large diameters and strong cables, as they produce enough torque to clear tough clogs and cut through tree roots. The major machines we use to clear floor drains and mainlines include sectional drain cleaning and drum-type drain cleaning machines. We use a picote machine on cast iron to clean out most of the scaling and build-up.

We use cable machines and attach other retrieving tools when removing foreign objects such as toys and broken cables, causing stoppage on your drain lines.

We use water jets to clear grease clogs in residential homes and restaurants. Water jets use high-pressure water to knock and flush away grease stoppages. They also clear sand, and mud clog on metal and plastic drain lines.

Soap, hair, and scales are the common causes of debris blockages. We use cable drain cleaners to clear debris in residential homes.

Major Types of Sewer Cables and Drain Snakes

We ensure to select the correct size and type of sewer cable to remove drain clogs successfully. Good drain sewer cleaning cables are flexible and strong to generate enough torque. Some of the 

Always choose the correct sewer cleaning tools, and ask the right questions before starting a plumbing and rooting job. This is important as it helps you do the job quickly, easily saving your client unnecessary expenses. 

Always choose Moon Valley Plumbing since we are licensed, insured, clean, professional, and highly affordable. 

 for professional plumbing work in Arizona.

What Are The Different Types Of Sewer Cleaning Tools?

What Are The Different Types Of Sewer Cleaning Tools

Water inefficiency is bad for both your pocket and the environment. Fortunately, you can take a wide range of measures to avoid water wastage at home. Below are some of these measures.

Water appliances have different efficiencies. Choose the highest efficiency within your budget whenever you want to install an appliance. Here are some useful examples of such appliances:

Water appliances are becoming more efficient as time goes on — and without compromising on functionality. If you have old appliances, the chance is high that the contemporary market has numerous efficient appliances you can use to update your current appliances.

Water heaters come in different varieties, but you can choose between two major categories — 

. The tank system heats and stores hot water, while the tankless system only heats water when you need it.

A tankless water heater is both energy- and water-efficient. Water efficiency is possible because the appliance instantly heats the water when you need it. Thus, you don’t have to wait for some cold water to flow down the drain as the water heats.

Low water pressure reduces the risk of water leaks, which high water pressure can cause by forcing its way through small spaces in pipe joints. Additionally, low water pressure reduces water delivery per minute, which reduces overall water use. Both of these perks can help you achieve better water efficiency in your home.

To lower the water pressure in your home, adjust the pressure regulator that sits just after the water meter outside the house. Ensure the pressure reading doesn’t exceed 80 psi.

A leaking plumbing system wastes water and makes you pay for the water you aren’t using. Because of this, you’ll want to prevent and plug leaks as soon as they occur. The following tips should help:

Install a leak detector to alert you as soon as a leak occurs. If you detect a leak, shut off your 

Did you know you can recycle some of the wastewater from your house for reuse? A typical house produces two types of wastewater — black and gray water. The black water comes from the toilet and shouldn’t be recycled. Grey water comes from various other sources, such as showers, sinks, and bathtubs, and you can often recycle this water.

You can install a recycling system that separates the grey water from the black water and purifies it. The installation is especially easy and cost-effective during construction. You can use the water for non-consumption activities, such as watering the lawn and washing clothes.

If you choose to install one of these systems, ensure you follow your state’s water recycling regulations.

Changing your water-usage habits can have a big effect on your overall water efficiency. Some things you can do include the following:

Indoctrinate all household members to water-saving tips — collective efforts work better than individual efforts.

Three things are critical to your water conservation efforts — good plumbing installation, proper maintenance, and water-usage habits. 

 can help you with the first two things. We also provide emergency services to those who need immediate help after hours. 

 with your plumbing problem to get a professional solution.

How to Conserve Water In Your Home

A clogged drain is one of the main plumbing issues that homeowners face. The problem happens when solid objects, such as food and dirt, block the waste pipes. If unattended, the clogs can result in slow draining bathtubs or sinks as well as a foul odor.

Some clogs can happen without your knowledge, but the good thing is that you can get rid of them in time to prevent further plumbing issues. Here’s what you should know about clogged drains.

You can save both time and money if you solve a clogged drain issue early enough. Here are the main signs to watch out for:

 can address the issue and give you helpful tips to prevent a similar problem in the future.

Below is a list of some of the most common causes of drain clogs and an explanation of how to prevent the clogs.

Soap is a primary cause of drain clogs in homes with hard water. Soap residue, commonly known as scum, forms every time you bathe or wash. The residue sticks on the drainpipes and reduces the diameter of the pipes. With time, the residue can completely block the drainage, and this causes a drain clog.

To prevent this issue, use a water softener if you have hard water in your home. Also, clean the drains regularly with a long brush to get rid of any residue on the walls of the pipes.

A common misconception is that all the dirt goes down the drain whenever you clean your bathroom or sink. However, sometimes, the dirt will stick on the pipes and might cause clogs if it accumulates for an extended period.

Clean your drains well. Schedule regular plumbing inspections to have your drains checked of any objects that may affect the smooth flow of water.

Fat, oil, or grease can solidify in your drainage pipe and cause drainage issues. However, fats can only cause severe drainage issues when they accumulate for a long time or mix with other types of dirt particles.

Don’t allow oil, fat, or grease to go down any drains. If it happens accidentally, pour hot water down the drain to remove the fats.

Additionally, don’t dispose of food remains down the drain either, because they contain oil or fats that may cause future drain clogs.

Tree roots or leaves can find their way into your drainage pipes and cause water passage problems.

If the roots affect your drainage system, you may need to trim or remove the nearby trees. Trim the twigs too so that they don’t fall into the drainage and cause plumbing issues.

Drain clogs can be a nuisance, whether they happen in the sink, toilet, or bathtub. Fortunately, you can often unclog them yourself. For example, you may want to try a baking soda and vinegar solution

 You can mix these two ingredients to get rid of the tougher clogs. Pour the concoction on the sink or the clogged pipes, scrub with a long brush, and rinse with clean water.

You should only try this DIY hack for minor drain clogs and 

Drain clogs can cause costly damages if you don’t solve them early enough. Call a plumbing expert if the clogs interfere with your daily activities at home. At Moon Valley Plumbing and Rooter, we use the latest plumbing technology to identify and fix drain clogs. 

 to get quick help for your plumbing issues.

Drain Clogs: Everything You Should Know

The water that runs into your home is extremely important. Now more so than ever, Americans are getting a vast majority of their drinking water from home, and if you are not sure how safe your water is, you may be welcoming in some unfortunate health complications. One of the most common questions that we get from our Arizona customers is “Do I need a water filter or a water softener?” You might think that these two water purifying devices do the same thing, but you would be sorely mistaken. If you are interested in improving the quality of water flowing into your home, 

schedule an appointment with the elite plumbing team here at Moon Valley Plumbing today

. Our friendly and helpful technicians will make sure that you get the perfect system for your needs without breaking your budget. Here are some basic differences between water filtration systems and water softeners.

It may not seem like it at first glance, but water softeners and 

 serve very different functions. A water filter actively removes potentially dangerous particulates from your water like bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. We recommend utilizing water filters for a number of reasons. If you are nervous about any potential chemical contamination in the water that you are drinking, a water filter can efficiently remove almost all of the harmful chemicals you may be worried about. Another reason to utilize a water filter is if you notice any strange taste or smell with the water in your home or business. Although not necessarily dangerous to your health, this bad smell or taste can be extremely off-putting to both you and your guests. Finally, if you live in a rural area and use well water that might be contaminated with Sulphur or iron, as it commonly can be, a water filter can easily remove these dangerous elements. Overall, a water filter will greatly improve the overall taste, clarity, and cleanliness of your water.

In order to understand what a water softener does, we first need to go into what hard water is. Hard water is a term that means that the water in your home is carrying a large amount of calcium and magnesium. This calcium and magnesium can cause your dishes to get spots on them, can cause dry or irritated skin, and can cause serious backup issues in your plumbing. A good water softener lowers the calcium and magnesium levels in your water to make it gentler on your skin and remove the white residue associated with hard water. A water softener will not remove other dangerous chemicals, so it is important that you make the right decision between these two fantastic water improvement products.

If you are interested in learning more about which of these water-improving methods is best for you, 

contact the friendly and helpful team here at Moon Valley Plumbing today

. We will help you get the perfect system for your home or business and have it installed quickly and efficiently so you can keep living your life without interruption.

plumbing-tips

DIY Plumbing Mistakes: Why You Shouldn't Do Your Own Plumbing

How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work?

What Are The Different Types Of Sewer Cleaning Tools?

How to Conserve Water In Your Home

Drain Clogs: Everything You Should Know

Water Filtration Vs. Water Softener