Archive for July, 2010

Nowthen Plumbing is Lead Safe Certified

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Plumbing projects often require a lot of sanding, cutting, pounding, and demolition. These activities can release harmful dust and chips from lead-based paint into the air and sometimes result in lead poisoning in adults and children. On April 22, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency took measures to prevent home lead poisoning by issuing a decree that all companies involved in home renovation and construction projects must become Lead Safe Certified under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule as of April 22, 2010.

Under the rule, contractors and plumbers must use lead-safe work practices and always make sure to contain the work area, minimize dust, and clean thoroughly afterward. All workers must be trained by EPA approved experts by taking an eight-hour training course that educates renovators on the hazards of lead-based paint and teaches them the most effective lead-safe procedures to follow when renovating. The training session also requires two hours of hands-on instruction and firms must reapply for certification every five years.

Lead paint poisoning is a very serious issue, especially among children. Serious effects of childhood lead poisoning can include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech impediments. Nowthen Plumbing always has your safety in mind, first and foremost with all projects, which is why we became a Lead Safe Certified company immediately after the new regulations were announced.

No matter what the project, no matter how big or small, if you’re unsure about whether your home is lead-safe please call Nowthen right away. We’ll come to your home as soon as possible to make sure you and your family are not at risk of lead poisoning. Anoka, Andover, Maple Grove, or Brooklyn Park–no matter where you are, we’ll be there to keep you safe.

Nowthen will always follow the most up-to-date lead-safe procedures, but it is also important to educate yourself and your family about lead safety as well.

For more information about lead-safety and the EPA ruling visit the EPA Website. Again, remember that all builders, remodelers and plumbers need this certification when working in a home that could contain lead.

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SUMP PUMPS: PART TWO

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
In May we gave you a brief overview of Things to Know about Your Home Sump Pump. We’re going to revisit that topic today and give you a little more insight into one of the hardest working, and least appreciated, systems in your home.


For every inch of rain collected the average roof sheds 1000 gallons of water. Most home flooding that results in water damage comes from melting snow or rain, and most of that flooding can be prevented by keeping your home sump pump up-to-date and functioning properly. Aside from the obvious damage it can cause to flooring, drywall, and framing, excessive moisture can also to lead to mold. Mold is a very serious health hazard and can be extremely difficult to get rid of, which also may affect the resale value of your home.


In Sump Pumps: Part One we gave you some tips on how to maintain and manage your sump pump in order to best prevent mold, flooding, etc. Here are even more reasons why following those tips and respecting your sump pump could end up saving you a lot of worry–and a lot of money.


Additional sump pump benefits:
-Helps prevent dampness and excessive moisture, which keeps your basement dryer and warmer year-round and also prevents termite infestations
-Maintains and restores your home’s property value
-Helps keep house foundation intact
-Stops wall coverings and paint from peeling
-Helps prevent rust and corrosion of metal pipes and appliances
-Helps prevent fungus, mold, and mildew


For more help on how to keep your house clean and dry, feel free to call Nowthen Plumbing at any time for our expert advice and services.

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Radon Detection and Mitigation

Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless noble gas that occurs naturally as the decay of radium. Because of its radioactive nature radon is considered to be a serious health hazard and is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke. Radon most frequently occurs in confined areas like basements and attics and can affect nearly any home so it is important to know the basics of radon detection and mitigation.


Testing for radon in your home can be relatively simple. Short-term radon test kits are available on many stores and are very inexpensive, sometimes even free. To use the kit simply hang up the collector piece in the lowest livable floor in your house for 2-7 days then send the piece into a laboratory to be tested (kits include a laboratory mailing address). Because radon levels can fluctuate depending on weather and construction conditions, it is also a good idea to have a professional do a test.


The simplest way to reduce your risk of high radon levels is to increase the ventilation of your home. One method includes installing piping and ventilation systems that suction radon from the soil surrounding your house and redirect it back into the open air where it is more easily diluted. This is called a radon mitigation system. Contact Nowthen Plumbing if you need a system installed.


If you do detect radon in your home, don’t panic immediately. Perform a second test to make sure the initial detection was correct, and if levels are still above normal, contact Nowthen Plumbing to figure out your next steps.

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