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Archive for June, 2010
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
We’ve already talked about how to prevent and manage clogs in your kitchen sink, now it’s time for us to give you a few simple drain-cleaning tips so that your sink stays clog free and smelling fresh!
1) Run very hot tap water through the drain every few days.
This helps eliminate foul odors and can also melt some materials that may be causing drain backup. However, always remember to avoid running warm water when using the garbage disposal and never dump fatty liquids into the sink. See our previous blog on Preventing Clogged Drains for more details.
2) Use baking soda and lemon juice to eliminate odors.
Pour a tablespoon of baking soda and a 1/4 cup of lemon juice down your drain and let stand for half an hour about once a week to help absorb and destroy odor. Run hot water for several minutes afterwards to clear out the debris and wash away any smelly residue.
3) Use baking soda and vinegar to break up unpleasant clogs.
Follow the same steps as before except replace the tablespoon of baking soda with a 1/2 cup of baking soda and the 1/4 cup of lemon juice with a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. The chemical reaction caused by mixing the basic baking soda with the acidic vinegar is a cheap and natural way to help break down simple clogs.
4) If natural solutions don’t work, try a store bought drain cleaner.
For tougher clogs a store bought drain cleaner may be the only answer. Make sure to avoid any chemicals that will harm your sink’s enamel or plastic piping. See our blog on Kitchen Sink Care for more information about preventing sink scratches and stains.
5) Finally, if all else fails, call a plumber.
If you’ve got a clog that can’t be broken or an odor that can’t be tamed, give your plumber a ring. That’s what we’re here for after all!
Tags: andover mn plumging, Anoka Plumbing Services, Brooklyn Park plumbing services, drain plumbers mn, Elk River Plumbing, how to clean your sink drain, maple grove plumging
Posted in Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice, Plumbing Clogs, Remodeling - Plumbing | Comments Off
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Kitchen sinks are not just utilitarian pieces of equipment anymore. We not only want our sink to do its job, we also want it to look nice and help improve the overall visual aesthetic of our kitchens. A stained, scratched, or dingy sink can make the whole room look worn and outdated long before the rest of the house does. By learning how to take proper care of your sink you can assure that your kitchen, and your whole house, stay looking fresh and new for as long as possible.
Kitchen sinks today are available in many more materials than they used to be. Though enameled cast iron remains a good option, many people are choosing to go in the direction of stainless steel and other more durable surfaces. No matter what material you choose, always remember to hold on to the manufacturer’s pamphlet that comes with it. This is the best way to find safe cleaning instructions specific to your particular sink.
If you do have an enameled cast iron sink, clean the sink immediately following use with a non-abrasive cleaner such as baking soda or a special store bought product. Using the wrong type of cleaner can wear down the enamel, making your sink more susceptible to scratches and stains.
Unless you have a specific acid-resistant sink, never allow fruit juices, mayonnaise, citrus products, vinegar, or other acid based liquids to sit on the surface for too long. Like abrasive cleaners, if used too often acidic materials can quickly wear down the enamel on your sink. Similarly, coffee grounds and tea leaves should also not be allowed to sit on the surface for too long, as they are the most common cause of unattractive stains.
And remember, the safest and easiest way to clean your sink is also the simplest. Hot water and gentle soap are always available and always a good option for keeping your sink beautiful.
Tags: Anoka Plumbing Services, Brooklyn Park MN Plumbing Services, Cleaning your Kitchen Sink, Elk River Plumber, Kitchen Sink Care, Maple Grove MN Plumbing
Posted in Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
The problems plumbers are most frequently hired to fix also tend to be the easiest to avoid in the first place. Clogged drains are a serious problem if left ignored for too long, but keeping your drain free of clogs takes a very small amount of time and minimal effort. As with most plumbing systems, simply understanding the problem is the best way to avoid it. By keeping in mind the most common causes of clogged drains you will be more likely to kick the habits that lead to them.
Kitchen drains are generally the most used in the house and are often the easiest to clog. Sink stoppages are usually caused by the wrong foods being dumped down the drain in the wrong manner. Liquid fats like excess bacon grease and cooking oil are often poured in the sink then washed down with warm dishwater. The water cools as it travels down the pipes towards the main sewers, leaving congealed fat deposits along the way. Eventually these fat deposits form layer upon layer of grease with other bits of food and waste sticking to them until the pipe becomes impassable.
By throwing grease, oil, and other fatty liquids into the garbage instead of the sink and always running cold water instead of warm when using a garbage disposal you’ll be much more likely to avoid this common drain clog. In the event that you do get a clog, attempt using a plunger on your drain (just as you would on a toilet) or cleaning out the J-bend fixture (below the sink) before resorting to a plumber.
Though Nowthen is always happy to help no matter what the problem, we also know how important your time and money is to you. By following these few simple rules it’s possible to keep your plumbing system happy, healthy, and clog free most of the time. Nowthen provides service to Elk River and the surrounding area.
Tags: Andover Plumbing, Anoka Plumbing, Brooklyn Park plumbing services, elk river mn plumbing services, Elk River Plumbing, how to keep your drains clean, Maple Grove Plumbing, preventing clogged drains
Posted in Consumer News | Comments Off
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Whether you’re an experienced plumbing pro or just picking up a wrench for the first time, every homeowner should know where and how to shut off the water. Similarly, once you’ve mastered the water flow in your house you should teach everyone you’re living with to do the same. If you’re planning on doing some DIY home remodeling it is important to know how to shut off the water while you’re working to avoid any accidents. If you’re unfortunate enough to be caught in a major piping mishap, it is absolutely essential.
The most important valve to know is the main shut-off valve for the entire plumbing system. The valve is generally located on the side of the house by the water meter and usually has a wheel-like turn off mechanism. It’s common for the wheel to be rather stubborn if it has not been used in many years, and you may need a wrench to be able to turn it. In the case of an emergency it may be very difficult for younger or smaller members of the household to manage this, and having oil handy to help grease the wheel is always a good idea. We advise that you place a few drops of oil around the valve once or twice a year to help prevent sticking. Some of the newer homes have the main shut-off valve in the basement.
In addition to the main shut-off valve many homes have individual shut-off valves for individual fixtures or equipment like water heaters, water softeners, washing machines, and so on. It is a good idea to have a plumber help you identify which pipe leads to which appliance or section of the home so that you can label the individual shut-off valves. This is especially useful when doing simple repairs in one area of the house so that you can turn off the water in the section you’re working on but still be able to access water throughout the rest of the home.
Whether you want help preventing plumbing problems by identifying and labeling your individual shut-off valves or need some plumbing first-aid in the event of an emergency, Nowthen Plumbing is always at your service! We serve the entire Twin Cities, including Elk River, Andover, Maple Grove, Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis and so much more!
Tags: Andover MN Plumbing, Andover Plumbing, Anoka Plumbing, Brooklyn Park plumbing services, Elk River Plumbing, Maple Grove MN Plumbing Services, Water Shut-Off Valve
Posted in Consumer News, Plumber Advice, Remodeling - Plumbing | Comments Off
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
A couple of weeks ago we filled you in on the pros and cons of low-flow toilets and gave you some examples of the best new brands on the market. This week we’re going to follow up with some more examples of energy and cost saving environmentally friendly plumbing fixtures for your home so that you can save money, save time, and do your small part to help save the environment too.
Low-Flow Showerheads
Low-flow showerheads operate under the same basic principle as low-flow toilets. They decrease excess water waste while generally increasing water pressure through flow efficient technology. There are numerous different options you can buy at nearly any hardware or store or Target/Wal-Mart and most packages are clearly marked so you can see how many gallons of water per second the showerheads allow.
Sensor Operated Faucets
Sensor operated faucets are becoming the norm in most new public bathroom facilities and can just as easily be installed in your own home. They reduce excess water usage by only flowing when movement is sensed underneath the faucet, which means you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the water on all night or feel guilty about letting it run while you brush your teeth. As an added bonus, sensor operated faucets also help prevent the spread of germs.
Solar Powered Water Heaters
Solar powered water heaters are quickly gaining popularity in homes and businesses throughout the nation. Not only can solar powered water heaters save you significant amounts on your electricity or gas bills, they also reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by replacing conventional water heaters, which are estimated to produce almost as much CO2 as the average gas fueled vehicle. Though the solar powered heaters are relatively expensive to install, the amount you save each month on your electric or gas bills each month makes the solar heaters pay for themselves within four to eight years and they can last as long as 40 years.
Tags: Andover Plumbing, Anoka Plumbing, Brooklyn Park plumbing services, Elk River Plumbing, Energy Efficient Plumbing Fixtures, Maple Grove Plumbing
Posted in Consumer News | Comments Off
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