Frequently Asked Questions

I need basic plumbing repairs in my home to fix a leaky faucet or clear a clogged drain.  Is this what a plumber does?
Yes!  A plumber is a highly skilled worker who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing related fixtures, diagnose clogged drain problems and solves all problems related to water systems in your home.

What sets the Advantage plumber apart from the others is our dedication to continued training and education in the latest plumbing techniques and tools to do better work for our customers.  Our plumbers not only receive technical training but we are the undisputed leaders in customer service training.  This means you are guaranteed a courteous, professional and friendly plumber at your door, every time!

I want a new sink or faucet in my home but I don’t want to do it myself.  What options do I have?
Many homeowners are very capable of handling these kinds of jobs by themselves.  Some of the bigger home centers even show you how.  However, our experience has shown that some projects are better left to the professionals.  Yes, we’ve gotten more than a few calls from customers ‘stuck’ in the middle of a project.  Advanced Plumbing and Mechanical provides custom builder quality installation and upgrades of sinks, toilets, laundry tubs, laundry hook ups, bath tubs, whirlpool tubs, showers, all kinds of faucets, garbage disposals and more.

What is Instant Hot Water?
Instant Hot Water is a hot water recirculation system that circulates hot water in your home.   When you open a fixture the warm water is there. There is no need to run water down the drain waiting for hot water to arrive.  Did you know that hot water recirculation systems save water, energy and money; the average family of four wastes up to 17,000 gallons of water per year just waiting for hot water to arrive.   A hot water recirculation system eliminates  waste and provides the convenience of instant hot water.  They work in existing homes, too!  

The under-the-sink retrofit systems are designed for existing homes.  Advanced Plumbing can easily adapt a system to your existing plumbing.  Advanced Plumbing is the area’s expert in Instant Hot Water.  

How do I un-jam my garbage disposal?
You may be able to insert an Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposer and "crank" it to help free up a jam. If this doesn’t work, DON’T USE IT!  You could cause serious damage to the disposal motor or even your home electrical system.  Advanced Plumbing can usually fix a jammed up garbage disposal.  If we can’t, then the unit will probably need to be replaced.  Our expert technicians can give you the best advice and make quick work of it to get you grinding again!

How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my house?
A broken water line out in the yard may include an excessively high water bill, puddles in your yard or the sound of running water when no faucets or appliances are using water.  Advanced Plumbing & Mechanical can “see” inside your pipes with Video Camera Drain Inspection technology.  We can pinpoint the problem without needless trial and error destruction of working pipes.  In many cases we can fix the problem right away and save you money.

What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
The leading cause for sump pump to failure is usually a switching problem. Sometimes the pump can move inside the basin.  This movement causes the float that operates the switch to lodge against its side. Debris can also be a factor by interfering with the action of the pump switch. It is important to make sure that your pump switch and float arm assembly move freely.  The main thing to remember about sump pups is that they don’t last forever…even if you never use them.  Internal part wear out and  make them virtually useless when you need them most!  Advanced Plumbing can test, maintain or replace any brand of sump pump.  For flood prone areas and homes that get water seeping in on a regular basis you may want to consider a sump pump back up system.  There are even non-electric systems that work in the case of a power failure.  Call Advanced Plumbing & Mechanical for more information.

How can you replace sewer pipes without digging up my landscaping?
Advanced Plumbing & Mechanical is considered the area’s experts in Trenchless Sewer Drain Line Replacement.  It used to be that a plumbing crew would have to spend days tearing up a yard from the house to the street to replace a sewer line.  Now, with our Video Camera technology we can easily location the problem and stop the leaks with a new pipe.  The best part is it is possible to do this with minimal digging and complete the project in only one day.

If I have need Rooter Service, do I have to call one of those national rooter chains?
No.  We would recommend that you call a qualified, trained and certified plumber.  Why?  The water pipes inside and outside your home can be very delicate.  In an older home, pipes wear thin from the inside out making them appear sound but in fact are very brittle.   An unqualified and unskilled rooter company could cause extensive damage to your pipes and your home.  The highly trained and certified technicians at Advanced Plumbing will take the time to properly diagnose the problem and utilize the right tools and techniques to solve the problem.  Should there be an issue of a broken pipe or other unforeseen problems after we begin the job, our expert plumbers can immediately take action.  Can the other guys?  We’re not sure…and we don’t recommend that you take a chance.

What causes low water pressure and what can I do about it?
There are several things that could cause low water pressure, including a partially closed or malfunctioning shut off valve, a crimped water line, or deposits that gather in older galvanized pipes. If your neighbors have strong water pressure, the problem is most likely between the water meter and your home. A qualified Advanced Plumbing technician will be able to identify the problem and explain your options.

My lawn sprinklers don’t do a very good job of irrigating my lawn.  Do I need a new system?
No, not usually. Most lawn sprinkler system problems are the result of a cracked pipe or malfunctioning pop up.  As with many mechnical systems in your home the irrigation system needs a periodic tune-up to keep it in good repair, and operating efficiently.  Advanced Plumbing & Mechanical has the expertise and the experience to repair any problem and get your lawn green again!

Is there really a difference between hard water and soft?
Yes.  In fact, the difference can be damaging to your home and your body.  Maybe you have experienced damaged clothing from the laundry, excessive soap consumption, pipe scaling, faucet and fixture deterioration, skin problems, or undesirable tastes or odors from your water.  If you have, then you have a water problem.  

Advanced Plumbing is the Exclusive Dealer for Intermountain Water Whole House Filtration systems.  These incredible systems are specifically designed to handle the extreme conditions found here in the Western United States.  We can install a system in your home that will not only provide you with soft water for cleaning and bathing, Intermountain Water systems also provide healthy drinking water for cooking and drinking.  You will feel and taste the difference!

Conventional Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters.
Conventional water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. They range  in size from 20 to 80 gallons (or larger) and are fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil.   Called ‘storage’ units, these water heaters transfer heat from a burner or coil to water in an insulated tank.   The down side to a conventional water heater is that energy is consumed even when no hot water is being used.

Tankless water heaters do not contain a storage tank like conventional water heaters. A gas burner or electric element heats the water only when there is a demand for hot water.  

There are many things to consider when choosing conventional vs. tankless water heating systems.  Your Advanced Plumbing & Mechanical representative can guide you through your options and get the right system for home that will give years of service and efficient performance.

Can I get someone to come to my house today?  I Need a plumber now!
Advanced Plumbing & Mechanical has technicians available specifically for emergency calls to diagnose and solve your plumbing problem right away.

Just call your local number.

Advanced Plumbing will answer, guaranteed!