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The short answer: the top tech trends you see among plumbers around Lehi are press-fit and PEX expansion systems, smart leak detection with automatic shutoff, high-resolution camera and locator tools, trenchless pipe repair, field service software, prefabricated assemblies with BIM on larger jobs, better water heating like tankless and heat pump units, and smarter water quality tools. If you only need the highlights, that is the list many shops talk about. For names and local help, many homeowners search for plumbers Lehi Utah because they want crews that actually use these tools and can explain why they matter.

Why these trends are rising right now

I think three forces are behind this shift. Labor is tight. Water and energy waste is costly in Utah homes and in commercial sites. And tech tools got simpler, cheaper, and more reliable over the past few years.

There is a fourth reason that does not get as much attention. Insurance and safety. Press tools remove open flames on many jobs. Leak sensors reduce claims. Fewer callbacks, fewer headaches. That side of the story matters.

Plumbing tech that cuts time, reduces rework, and lowers risk tends to stick. The tools that only look cool, they fade.

Materials and joining: press-fit, PEX expansion, and push-to-connect

If you walk a new build in Utah County, you will see far more PEX than copper. In remodels, press-fit connections keep growing. Solder is still here, of course, and a skilled tech with a torch is gold. But press and expansion fittings change the math on speed, training, and fire risk.

Press-fit for copper and steel

Press systems use a jawed tool to deform a fitting around a pipe and seal an O-ring. No flame, fewer permits, less prep. A small team can rough in a line fast. There is a tool cost, and you need the right profile and calibration. O-ring care matters. I have seen one job where a single nick caused a slow drip that showed up days later. But once teams dial in the process, leaks are rare.

PEX expansion and crimp

PEX comes in several types. PEX-A with expansion fittings is common for manifolds and long runs. The fit gets tighter as the pipe shrinks back. PEX-B with crimp rings is still popular, especially for budget-focused projects. Both handle freeze-thaw better than copper, which helps during cold snaps along the Wasatch Front.

Push-to-connect

Push-fit fittings are a real time saver on service calls. They are not always the cheapest option per piece, and some pros avoid burying them in walls. But for testing, temporary tie-ins, or a tight repair behind a water heater, they are hard to beat.

Press and PEX are not shortcuts. They are control. They standardize joins, reduce open flame risk, and keep crews moving when the schedule gets tight.

Quick comparison

Method	Speed	Skill curve	Tool cost	Common use	Risk if misused
Soldering	Moderate	High	Low to moderate	Repairs, remodels, boiler rooms	Leaks, fire hazards
Press-fit	Fast	Low to moderate	High	Commercial, multifamily, tight timelines	O-ring damage, wrong jaw/profile
PEX expansion	Fast	Moderate	Moderate	New builds, manifolds, long runs	Cold-weather expansion timing
PEX crimp	Fast	Low	Low	Budget projects, service	Under-crimp or over-crimp
Push-to-connect	Very fast	Low	Low	Service calls, temporary work	Wrong pipe type, buried without access

Smart leak detection and automatic shutoff

Utah homes deal with hard water and temperature swings. Small leaks around fittings, fridge lines, or water heaters can turn into costly damage. Smart leak systems watch flow patterns or sense water where it should not be, then shut the main valve.

Two main approaches

• Inline flow-based devices. These watch usage and close the valve if the pattern looks wrong, for example a constant small flow at night.
• Point sensors. Hockey-puck or rope sensors under sinks, near heaters, or under appliances. A central hub closes a motorized valve if any sensor triggers.

Most units connect over Wi-Fi and some offer cellular backup. Many integrate with smart home hubs or building controls. Alerts go to your phone. If you travel, that peace of mind alone might be worth it.

There is a setup step that people skip. Tuning. You need to tell the device what normal looks like. A home with irrigation and a recirculation pump looks different from a condo. If you do not tune it, you will get false trips and you will hate it. A good installer handles this. Yes, that costs a bit more up front.

Leak sensors do not just save water, they shrink damage. A small shutoff at the right minute can save thousands in drywall, flooring, and mold cleanup.

Imaging and diagnostics: seeing the problem without opening walls

Plumbers now carry better cameras than many film crews did years ago. That sounds like a joke, but it is not far off. The mix usually includes a thermal camera, a borescope, and a sewer camera with a locator.

Thermal imaging

Thermal cameras help track radiant loops, find overheating pumps, and spot damp areas behind tile. In slab homes, mapping hot water lines without guessing saves a ton of time. You can also pair thermal with acoustic tools to pinpoint hidden leaks.

Sewer cameras and locators

High pixel counts, self-leveling heads, and better transmitters mean faster diagnosis. You can record the inspection, mark exact footage, and locate with a wand at ground level. That tight data helps you decide between spot repair, pipe bursting, or lining.

Acoustic and pressure tools

Acoustic loggers, pressure decay testing, and tracer gases all have a place. Some apps now help filter noise and guide the user. I have watched a tech in Lehi find a slab leak under a kitchen in under 40 minutes with a thermal camera and a simple listening device. No jackhammer until they knew the exact tile to pull.

Trenchless repair and hydro jetting

Nobody wants their yard torn up. Trenchless methods solve that for many main line and lateral issues.

Pipe lining and bursting

• CIPP lining places a resin-saturated liner that cures in place. It creates a new pipe inside the old one.
• Pipe bursting breaks the old pipe and pulls a new line behind it.

Both need correct assessment and prep. Roots, offsets, and collapses can stop a liner job. You do not want to sell the wrong fix. Shops that do this well start with a complete camera report and a clear scope.

Hydro jetting with reclaim

High-pressure jetters clear grease, roots, and scale. On commercial sites, reclaim systems capture and reuse water, which is nice where access to drains is limited. Choosing the right nozzle and pressure matters. You want enough force to clear the line, not enough to damage it.

Prefab, BIM, and 3D scanning on bigger projects

If you work in manufacturing, this part will feel familiar. Plumbing contractors now use prefabrication for manifolds, risers, and mechanical room skids. The shop builds assemblies on benches with jigs, quality checks them, labels everything, then ships to the site for a quick install.

BIM and coordination

BIM tools let teams coordinate routes in 3D, spot clashes with steel or ductwork, and confirm clearances. Even small contractors now join model review calls for multifamily and light industrial jobs around Silicon Slopes. The result is fewer surprises on site.

3D scanning with LiDAR

Phones and tablets can grab quick scans. Full tripod scanners grab accurate point clouds. A quick scan of an existing boiler room saves hours of rework in prefab. I have seen prefab manifolds slide into place within millimeters of the plan. Not perfect every time, but close.

Prefab moves labor from a noisy, dusty site into a controlled bench environment. That raises consistency and lets new techs learn faster.

Field service software: scheduling, quoting, and inventory that actually talk to each other

Behind the scenes, many shops run on field service platforms. The good ones give techs a simple mobile app for scheduling, notes, photos, and signatures. They tie into accounting, pricing, and parts catalogs. You get fewer handwritten tickets and fewer surprises.

What matters in the software

• Fast job booking and dispatch with GPS.
• Clear price books with parts bundles and kit pricing.
• Photos and video before and after.
• Integrated payments and financing options for big jobs.
• Warranty tracking by serial number and QR codes on equipment.

Some teams use AI helpers to draft job notes from photos or transcribe calls. I like this when it saves time. I do not like it when it writes vague fluff. If your notes do not help the next tech, you did not save anything.

Inventory and trucks

Barcode or QR tracking of truck bins keeps stock levels stable. Nothing is worse than driving across town for one missing fitting. Some shops even tag water heaters and valves in the field, so reorders and warranty claims are simple.

Water heating: tankless, heat pump, and smarter recirculation

Water heaters take a lot of attention now. People want hot water that is steady and not wasteful, and they want equipment that lasts. Three trends stand out.

Condensing tankless units

Tankless heaters run hot water only when you call for it. Condensing models pull more heat from exhaust and can vent with plastic. These serve families that run showers back-to-back and still want space in the garage. Sizing, gas supply, venting, and water treatment matter. Skip those, and you will hate the outcome.

Heat pump water heaters

Heat pump units move heat from air into the tank. They use far less energy than standard electric tanks, and they cool and dehumidify the room a bit. Many garages in Lehi work well for them. Cold basements in winter can be tricky, so ducting or hybrid modes help. Check utility rebates, they change often.

Smart recirculation

Recirc loops save time at the tap and cut water waste. Old systems ran all day and wasted power. New controls learn schedules, use motion sensors, or run on demand. Pair that with a check valve and insulation, and you get hot water faster with far less waste.

Water quality: hard water is a local problem with a clear answer

Lehi has hard water. Scale wrecks heaters, valves, faucets, ice makers, and coffee machines. You can see the crust on shower heads. Shops install softeners, scale inhibitors, or both depending on the case.

Smart softeners and monitors

• Softeners with flow meters track usage, pause during low demand, and alert you when salt runs low.
• Point-of-use filters at the kitchen handle taste and PFAS concerns, if that is on your mind.
• Inline TDS sensors and sample ports make testing simple during service.

There is debate here. Some prefer conditioners that change crystal structure rather than swap ions. My view, try not to argue beliefs. Test, measure, and pick what solves the specific problem in that home or building.

Safety and training tech that changes daily work

Press tools remove open flame on many sites. That single change reduces permits, fire watches, and hot work steps. Vacuum excavation around utilities reduces strikes. Better PPE and job hazard apps keep teams aligned.

Training videos and AR

Short video libraries show a junior tech how to set expansion times or crimp checks. Some shops test AR overlays for complex boiler wiring, but adoption is still early. The simple wins are the best. A QR code on a boiler, linked to a 3-minute setup clip, saves a call back to the office.

Fleet and jobsite tools that quietly add up

Telematics cut idle time and track maintenance. Label printers with heat-shrink sleeves clean up panels and manifolds. Portable printers for invoices and tags reduce paperwork chaos. Even small 3D printers get used to make guides and drill templates in the shop.

Where manufacturing and plumbing meet

If you design building products or run a plant, you will notice the same patterns you use. Standardization, quality checks, and good data. A few ideas pass between fields in both directions.

Design for field assembly

• Color-coded ports and unions that only fit one way.
• Press profiles and torque values printed right on the part.
• QR codes that open a 60-second setup video, not a 40-page manual.
• Parts that tolerate hard water, or at least ship with a clear maintenance plan.

When manufacturers listen to installers, service times drop and warranty claims drop with them.

How to judge a tech-forward plumbing company

You do not need every tool on earth. You want the right mix for your job. Ask a few direct questions and listen for clear answers.

• What joining methods will you use and why?
• Will you camera the line and share video before recommending repair?
• Do you offer smart leak shutoff and will you tune it for my usage?
• How will you handle hard water for this heater and these fixtures?
• What software do you use to share photos, notes, and invoices? Will I get copies?
• How do you track warranties on equipment?
• For larger work, do you prefab or model in 3D before install?

If the answers are vague, keep looking. If they are honest about tradeoffs, that is a good sign. I like when a pro says something like, we could do X, but for your home Y is better and here is the math.

A quick ROI view for common tools

Tool or system	Typical upfront cost	Where it pays back	Notes
Press tool kit	High	Labor hours, safety, fewer permits	Best on multi-fitting jobs and remodels with tight spaces
Thermal camera	Low to moderate	Faster diagnosis, fewer open walls	Great for radiant and hidden leaks
Sewer camera + locator	High	Accurate quotes, correct repair choice	Video evidence reduces disputes
Leak shutoff system	Moderate	Prevented damage, insurance goodwill	Tune it, or it will annoy you
Field service software	Monthly fee	Fewer callbacks, faster cash flow	Adoption by the field is the key
Prefab jigs	Low	Repeatable assemblies, training	Start small, expand with demand

Local twists that matter in Lehi

Climate and water shape choices. Hard water drives softeners and scale control. Cold snaps push PEX and freeze protection details. Rapid growth means many homes are newer, with PEX trunks and manifolds, so service approaches match that layout. Commercial sites linked to tech firms ask for data logging and integration to building systems. Data centers and labs care about flow assurance and leak risk in containment areas. That is where camera work, pressure testing, and smart valves earn their keep.

What I would pick for a typical Lehi home

Every home is different, but a simple stack works for many:

• PEX for the distribution runs, with a clean manifold and clear labels.
• Press for copper stubs and mechanical room tie-ins.
• Smart leak shutoff on the main, sensors under the water heater and the fridge.
• Heat pump water heater if the space supports it, tankless if gas supply is strong and the family runs many back-to-back showers.
• Recirculation with demand control for long runs.
• Water softener sized to actual usage, with a bypass for yard lines.

Not everyone needs all of this. If you plan to move soon, you might pick simpler options. If you plan to stay ten years, the payback for leak prevention and water treatment looks better.

What I would pick for a small commercial site

A dentist office, a light manufacturing unit, or a cafe in Lehi has different needs. Here is a quick baseline:

• Press and grooved systems for speed and safety on larger pipe sizes.
• Sewer camera record before any major repair, always.
• Backflow devices with test ports and clear tags linked to maintenance dates.
• Leak shutoff and flow logging in tenant spaces with water-heavy use, like salons.
• Water treatment for scale and taste, with cartridges sized for actual flow.
• Field software that stores all documentation for the landlord.

Tradeoffs and honest drawbacks

Every tool has a downside. Press tools are fast, but the jaw sets are not cheap and need care. PEX expands and contracts and needs proper support. Leak sensors can false trip if a recirc pump is not accounted for. Hydro jetting can damage fragile lines if you pick the wrong nozzle. Heat pump water heaters can be loud in small rooms and cool the space.

That is normal. A good plumber will explain these tradeoffs and help you pick the right mix for your case. If someone says there is only one right answer for every home, I would pause. Real jobs are messy.

Mini case story: a remodel in north Lehi

I watched a three-bath remodel where the team used PEX expansion for the new runs, press for copper stubs, and a tankless unit to free floor space. They added a smart shutoff tied to a few leak sensors. The thermal camera found a hidden radiant loop that the new owner did not know about. That saved them from drilling the wrong spots. It was not perfect, a press fitting o-ring had to be replaced during pressure test. Still, the whole job ran smoother because the steps were planned in software, prefabbed where possible, then installed fast. The owner got video files for the drain lines and a QR code on the heater with manuals and serial numbers.

How crews make these tools pay off

Tools by themselves do not fix anything. Process does. Here are habits I see in teams that get real gains from tech:

• They start every big job with a camera or scan, and they save the files.
• They label everything, from manifolds to circuit panels and softener bypasses.
• They use simple checklists for press profiles, expansion times, and pressure tests.
• They train apprentices on the why, not only the how.
• They share photos and a short summary with the customer after each visit.

What is coming next

I see more prefab even on smaller work, more shutoff valves with built-in flow learning, and more cross talk between plumbing gear and building controls. Tools will keep getting lighter. Cameras will get clearer. One area to watch is acoustic leak detection with machine learning, which might find pinholes in multi-family stacks before stains show up. I am cautious here, since early tools can be finicky. But the direction looks right.

Questions to ask yourself before you call

• Do you want to reduce water damage risk, or are you only chasing a fix today?
• Is hot water wait time a pain in the morning? That points to recirc control.
• Do you have space and ventilation for a heat pump or do you need tankless speed?
• Is scale showing up on faucets and the dishwasher? Water treatment will help.
• Are you open to a camera inspection and a recorded report before a big repair?

Reader Q&A

Q: Are press fittings as reliable as solder?

A: In many cases, yes. Press systems have strong track records when installed with correct jaws, clean pipe, and intact O-rings. They remove fire risk and speed work. Solder still shines in high heat areas and special cases. Pick based on the job, not a single rule.

Q: Do leak shutoff systems really prevent damage?

A: They prevent many incidents. If a line bursts while you are away, a shutoff can turn a disaster into a small cleanup. The key is correct placement, tuning, and testing a few times a year.

Q: Is a heat pump water heater a good fit for Utah?

A: Often yes, especially in garages or rooms with enough air volume. They use far less energy than standard electric tanks. In cold small rooms, you might need ducting or a hybrid mode. A good installer will check the space and your usage.

Q: Do I need a sewer camera before a liner or jetting?

A: Yes. A proper video inspection with footage marks guides the choice between jetting, spot repair, bursting, or lining. Without it, you are guessing.

Q: What is the simplest upgrade with the biggest payoff?

A: For many homes, a smart shutoff plus a few sensors is the fastest risk reducer. For many shops, press or PEX upgrades cut hours right away. For water taste and appliance life in Lehi, a well-sized softener is hard to beat.