In the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe or a major leak, we offer emergency services in Southern Idaho & Northern Utah. Simply call our emergency hotline at (435) 764-6206, and our team will dispatch a skilled plumber to your location promptly. We understand that plumbing disasters can happen at any time, and our round-the-clock service is designed to minimize damage and provide you with the immediate assistance you need.

Yes, our plumbers are licensed, insured, and highly trained professionals. We take pride in the qualifications and expertise of our team. Our commitment to excellence extends to ensuring that our plumbers are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations. When you choose Don Mac Plumbing, you can have confidence in the knowledge that your plumbing project will be handled by experienced, certified professionals who prioritize safety and quality.

Regular plumbing maintenance is essential to prevent unexpected issues and prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system. We recommend scheduling a professional plumbing inspection and maintenance service at least once a year. During this visit, our plumbers will assess your entire plumbing system, check for leaks, inspect fixtures, and ensure that everything is functioning efficiently. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential problems before they become major, saving you money and preventing inconveniences down the road.

An unexpected spike in your water bill usually points to a hidden leak. The most common culprit is a running or "silent leaking" toilet—a worn flapper valve can waste hundreds of gallons a day without making much noise. Other common causes include dripping faucets, underground main line leaks, leaking irrigation systems, or a running pressure relief valve on your water heater.

Quick test: Check your water meter, ensure no water is running inside or outside for 30 minutes, and check the meter again. If the dial moved, you have a leak.

If your toilet periodically runs or makes a hissing sound, water is slowly leaking from the tank into the bowl. This is almost always caused by a worn-out rubber flapper, an improper chain length that keeps the flapper from sealing, or a faulty fill valve. Flappers degrade naturally over time—especially if chemical drop-in bleach tablets are used in the tank. Replacing the flapper or the internal fill assembly is a straightforward fix that stops water waste immediately.

First and most importantly: shut off the main water valve. Every adult in your home should know where this valve is located (usually near the water meter, in the basement, or where the main line enters the house). Turning it clockwise stops the flow and limits water damage. Once the water is off, open an outdoor hose bib or lowest faucet to relieve residual pressure, turn off power to your water heater if it's involved, and call a licensed plumber.

We strongly recommend avoiding harsh liquid chemical drain cleaners. These products use caustic chemicals (like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide) that generate intense heat. Over time, this heat and acidity can corrode metal pipes, warp or soften PVC, and damage pipe joints. Furthermore, if the chemical doesn’t clear the clog, it sits trapped in your pipes, creating a hazardous situation for whoever has to work on it next. Mechanical snaking or hydro-jetting is far safer for your plumbing.

A garbage disposal isn't a trash can—it's designed only for light food scraps rinsed off plates.

Never put down: Grease, cooking oil, bacon fat, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables (celery, corn husks, artichokes), pasta, rice, bones, or fruit pits. Fats solidify in pipes, while starches expand into a thick paste.

Safe to put down: Soft food scraps, small citrus peels (for freshness), and cold running water while the disposal runs.

It usually comes down to age and the nature of the issue. Traditional tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. If your unit is under 8 years old and has a failed heating element, thermostat, or valve, a repair makes financial sense. However, if your water heater is over 10 years old, leaking from the tank body itself, or producing rusty water, replacement is almost always the smarter, safer long-term investment.

That loud "thump" or vibration is called water hammer. It happens when fast-moving water suddenly stops—like when a washing machine valve, dishwasher, or quick-closing faucet shuts off—sending a shockwave through your piping. Left unaddressed, excessive water hammer can loosen pipe joints and fittings over time. Installing water hammer arrestors or adjusting home water pressure typically eliminates the problem.

If low pressure is isolated to one fixture, it’s usually a clogged aerator or mineral buildup in the cartridge. If it’s affecting your entire home, common culprits include:

A partially closed main shut-off valve.

A failing Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV).

Corroded, scaled galvanized pipes that have narrowed internally.

A hidden leak in the main supply line.

Municipal supply issues in your neighborhood.

Water expands as it freezes, which creates extreme pressure and splits pipes. To protect your home during freezing snaps:

Disconnect, drain, and store all outdoor garden hoses.

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like crawlspaces, attics, and garages.

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when away.

During severe freezes, let cold water drip slightly from faucets served by exterior walls and leave cabinet doors open under sinks to circulate warm room air.

A sulfur or "rotten egg" smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas.

If it only happens with hot water: The sacrificial anode rod inside your water heater has likely reacted with bacteria in the water. Replacing the standard magnesium rod with an aluminum-zinc or powered anode rod generally resolves the odor.

If it happens with both hot and cold water: The issue is likely originating from your well water supply or the municipal main, which may require specialized filtration.

We recommend an annual plumbing inspection and water heater flush. Flushing your water heater once a year removes sediment and mineral scale that settles at the bottom of the tank. Removing this buildup helps maintain heating efficiency, lowers energy costs, prevents annoying popping sounds, and significantly extends the operating life of the equipment.

Tank water heaters continuously heat and store 40 to 80 gallons of water, meaning standby heat loss occurs, and you can run out of hot water during heavy usage. They are cheaper upfront to install.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it flows through high-efficiency heat exchangers. They provide endless hot water, take up virtually no floor space (wall-mounted), and use significantly less energy over time, though upfront installation costs are higher.