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Archive for the ‘Plumber Advice’ Category
Thursday, November 15th, 2012
With the holidays just around the corner, house guests are likely not far behind! Few things can screw up your holidays more than plumbing problems. With that in mind, now is a great time of year to run through your plumbing preventative maintenance list:
- Garbage Disposal: Your kitchen is sure to see plenty of action this holiday season. Gear up by sharpening your garbage disposal blades. Pour a handful of solid ice cubes and one cup of rock salt into the disposal to simultaneously clean and sharpen. A small orange or lemon peel can also be run through for easy and natural deodorization.
- Check Sinks: Fill your sink and drain it. Watch for slow drainage which can indicate a clog or blocked vent pipe or bubbles appearing while the water is draining.
- Toilets: Check to see if your toilets rock when pushed or pull. If so, inspect their bases for loose bolts. Next, make sure each toilet is flushing properly and that the water stops running upon flush completion. Check your tank for any broken, missing or corroded parts in need of repair.
- Showers: Your showers should be inspected at the top and bottom. First check your shower head for water pressure. Low pressure may mean that the shower head has sediment buildup and is in need of cleaning. Also check the shower’s drain to ensure that the tub is emptying normally. If you find yourself left with a couple of inches of standing water, try using a plunger, placed over the drain hole. A few pumps should help to dislodge any minor blockage and open the passage way.
Did any of your plumbing appliances not pass the test? If so, contact us today to remedy any plumbing problems before the first guests hit your door!
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Thursday, October 11th, 2012
A plumbing project is only as good as the materials that go into it! With that in mind, we love sharing what makes our list of favorite supplies. First and foremost on that list is the piping material that we prefer – PEX plumbing piping, or cross-linked polyethylene pipe. Why is this at the top of our must-haves? PEX plumbing is superior to the alternatives, including copper and CPVC for several reasons, some of which include:
Low Maintenance: PEX plumbing systems are immune to corrosion and mineral buildup, unlike metal alternatives. PEX is also resistant to freeze damage, because it expands and contracts as water freezes and thaws inside the tubing, avoiding costly ruptures.
Easy To Install: PEX plumbing installations require fewer fittings to install and does not require soldering. In addition, because PEX plumbing is flexible, the tubing can turn 90 degree corners without the need for elbow fittings. PEX doesn’t require glue, which means you don’t have to work in well-ventilated spaces or wear a respirator. Easy installation typically results in lower costs for the homeowner as well!
Efficient and Quiet: Because PEX plumbing does not transfer heat as much as copper, this plumbing material retains more heat in hot-water lines and resists condensation on cold-water lines. As an added bonus, water flows more quietly through PEX tubing than it does through copper, eliminating the characteristic “water hammer” noise of metal pipe systems.
Affordable: PEX is cheaper than copper. Half-inch PEX tubing costs about a third of the price of copper! Plus, because PEX is flexible, it can be shipped and stored on spools, where rigid plastic or metal piping must be cut to some practical length for shipping and storage. This leads to lower shipping and handling costs.
While PEX piping does have a few disadvantages – for example, it cannot be used outside – they are, in our opinion, outweighed by the piping’s many perks!
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012
While we love to see residential homes complete with beautiful full grown trees and well landscaped lawns, occasionally those trees can result in dangerous damage to pipes and drains. Roots are naturally drawn to pipes. After all, they contain water, nutrients, and oxygen – all feel good foods for tree roots. Unfortunately, when roots wiggle their way into the pipes the results can be some of the most expensive and costly sewer damage homeowners can experience. Get the tree root low-down to help prevent damage to your pipes and plumbing!
- Know Your Responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their home’s sewer laterals, or the pipes that connect their home to the main sewer line. However, because pipes are buried deep in the ground problems often don’t make themselves known until it is too late.
- Recognize The Signs: One of the first signs of trouble will be a sewer blockage or back up. These are usually identified by a foul odor or gurgling noise coming from your toilet or house drain, or by slow water flow. As soon as you suspect a blockage contact your plumber to identify and resolve the issue.
- Prevent Damage: To prevent sewer lateral damage, be thoughtful about landscaping and plant placement. For example, trees should be planted at least ten feet from any drainage pipes. In addition, place only small and slow growing species such as dogwood or fringe trees near sewer lines. If your tastes trend more toward fast-growing varieties, keep in mind that you will likely need to replace them every ten years to prevent tree root overgrowth.
While we love to see residential homes complete with beautiful full grown trees and well landscaped lawns, occasionally those trees can result in dangerous damage to pipes and drains. Roots are naturally drawn to pipes. After all, they contain water, nutrients, and oxygen – all feel good foods for tree roots. Unfortunately, when roots wiggle their way into the pipes the results can be some of the most expensive and costly sewer damage homeowners can experience. Get the tree root low-down to help prevent damage to your pipes and plumbing!
Know Your Responsibilities: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their home’s sewer laterals, or the pipes that connect their home to the main sewer line. However, because pipes are buried deep in the ground problems often don’t make themselves known until it is too late.
Recognize The Signs: One of the first signs of trouble will be a sewer blockage or back up. These are usually identified by a foul odor or gurgling noise coming from your toilet or house drain, or by slow water flow. As soon as you suspect a blockage contact your plumber to identify and resolve the issue.
Prevent Damage: To prevent sewer lateral damage, be thoughtful about landscaping and plant placement. For example, trees should be planted at least ten feet from any drainage pipes. In addition, place only small and slow growing species such as dogwood or fringe trees near sewer lines. If your tastes trend more toward fast-growing varieties, keep in mind that you will likely need to replace them every ten years to prevent tree root overgrowth.
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Posted in Plumber Advice, Special Highlight | Comments Off
Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Proper and routine maintenance can help to increase your water heater’s efficiency and extend its life. Follow these steps to make sure that your water heater is in tip top shape!
Check Your Anode Rod:You water heater’s anode rod is in place, in part, to prevent hot water from corroding the inside of the tank and, in doing so, shortening its life. To check your anode rod, attach a hose to you water tank’s drain and drain a few gallons of water. Once visible, unscrew the anode rod, check for deterioration (the rod should be at least a half inch thick) or calcium build up, and replace as necessary.
Drain Your Tank: Annually your water tank should be drained and rinsed of sediment. To do so, drain the water from the tank. Once drained, stir up your tank’s sediment by quickly releasing the cold water supply. Drain the tank again. Rinse, drain and repeat until the runoff water drains clear. Once rinsed, refill your tank and turn the power back on.
Check Your Pipes For Condensation: In the summer months, the cold-water pipe on your water heater can develop a buildup of condensation. If this happens with your water heater, consider insulation. To do so, apply self-sticking, 3/8-inch-thick foam around the pipe’s diameter, on both the hot- and cold-water pipes.
Set The Temperature: While this is more of a cost saving measure than a maintenance task, checking the temperature of your water heater is a worthwhile measure all the same. To do so, find your water heater’s temperature dial and unscrew the cover. From here, the temperature can be adjusted with a flat head screw driver. According to Consumer Reports, for each ten degrees that the temperature is dropped, homeowners can expect a savings of up to five-percent off of their energy bill!
Posted in Plumber Advice, Water Heaters | Comments Off
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
A room’s hardware can shape the style and tone of your space. Particularly in the kitchen, your sink and faucet also play an important functional role. Therefore, choosing the right kitchen sink and faucet can be a big decision! Here are the factors that we encourage our clients to keep in mind when making their choice:
Material Matters: Kitchen sinks come in a variety of materials including stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces or composites. There are pros and cons to each material. Stainless steel is great for homeowners who are hard on their sinks or are looking for a unit that will stand the test of time. Enamel-coated cast iron, on the other hand, is very aesthetically pleasing and offers some of the best variety in appearance and style. A solid surface sink makes for easy cleanup, while composite sinks are a great budget friendly option. Regardless of your choice, know that the material of your sink matters – choose wisely and do your research!
Number Of Bowls: The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a standard, single-bowl sink for kitchens less than 150 square feet. If your area is larger, consider the added convenience of a double, or even triple bowl. Keep in mind that multiple bowls are commonly used for hand washing dishes. If this is something that you make a practice of, be sure to invest in the multiple spaces. If strictly dishwasher use is more your style, a single bowl will likely be just fine.
Stylish And Functional Faucets: The number of faucets on the market today is astronomical – there is truly a style for every home. However, don’t settle for the first pretty faucet you see – also consider the unit’s function. Single-handled models with pull-out spouts are very popular today – and with good reason. Single-handled units offer a cleaner sink aesthetic and easy use. Also consider the material used in your sink’s hosing – a stainless steel hose will kink less than alternative materials.
Posted in Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
 This week we would like to take a few minutes to discuss one of our favorite plumbing products – the Champion 4 Toilet by American Standard! Whether you have decided that it is time for a new toilet, or you are just doing a little remodeling and want to replace your current model with an upgraded version, we recommend this model to our clients, families, and friends. Here is why:
It Moves More: The Champion 4 will move a mass 70% larger than the industry standard. In addition, this model has one of the highest bulk removal ratings on the market – 1,000 grams. This toilet can even flush a bucket of golf balls!
It Clogs Less: This toilet offers the industry’s widest 2 3/8″ trap way and 4″ flush valve, all but eliminating clogs.
Quick and Quiet: This toilet is quiet, quick and has a great flush – perfect for late night bathrooms break when you don’t want to wake the whole house! The flush is quick in that it only takes about 2 to 3 seconds and all waste is gone.
Easy To Keep Clean: Spend less time cleaning your bathroom with the Champion 4′s patented EverClean surface. This double-coated surface finish inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew keeping your toilet cleaner longer – even after years of use. This is the finish we recommend for families with children or toilets placed in high traffic areas. In addition, the toilet’s built-in PowerWash rim scrubs the bowl with each flush, ensuring an even greater degree of cleanliness.
All in all, this is our toilet of choice! Do you need help ordering and installing one? Give us a call, and we will get you set up with your new home convenience!
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Consumer News, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Monday, February 13th, 2012
 Few things are more frustrating than a clogged drain! Whether in your kitchen, your bathroom, or your utility room, clogged drains can quickly provide an infuriating mess. Unfortunately, they are also fairly common. To solve your next clog conundrum, try one of our DIY solutions:
Slow-Running Drains: For slow-running drains, shake a half box of baking soda down the drain, before pouring in one cup of vinegar. The baking soda will bubble and foam. Once it stops foaming, flush the drain with very hot water for 2-3 minutes.
Dealing With A Clog: If you have a full-on clog, begin by removing as much of the backed up water as you can. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a large pot or kettle of boiling hot water. If the sink empties completely, pour another kettle of boiling water to give it another clean flush and then let cool water run from the tap for a couple minutes.
Biodegradable: If the flushing technique listed above doesn’t work, use a biodegradable waste digester, available in the plumping section of your hardware store, to dissolve the build-up of debris in your pipes. However, always use caution when using commercial drain cleaners of any kind. We recommend wearing eye goggles since the water can splash back up at you.
An Ounce Of Prevention: While slow or clogged drains are the most common household plumbing problem, they are typically preventable. Work to stave off bathroom clogs by installing grates or small screens over the drains to prevent hair and other debris from going down the drain and building up. In the kitchen, avoid clogs by being cautious of what you pour down the drain. For example, liquefied fats poured down a drain can coat the pipes and leave a ready surface for debris to get stuck in. And while garbage disposals are convenient, they should be used sparingly. Dump large amounts of food in a garbage can and only use the disposal for the small bits left on the plate.
If these solutions don’t solve your problem, call us at Nowthen Plumbing to thoroughly assess the situation.
Tags: clog correction, clogs, maintenance, NowThen Plumbing, plumbing, unclogging your drain
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Consumer News, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice, Plumbing Clogs | Comments Off
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
 When outdoor temperatures drop, there is nothing we like more than a warm shower to get us ready for the day! However, poor water pressure can quickly turn your morning routine from inspirational to inefficient. To solve this daily dilemma, try one of our DIY solutions to these common low-water pressure causes.
Remove Mineral Deposit Build-Ups: Overtime, mineral deposits can build-up in your pipes, causing clogs that result in lower water pressure. Because these clogs most commonly affect faucets and showerheads, a thorough cleaning of each can typically resolve the issue. To accomplish this, soak showerheads in a vinegar-and-water solution to dissolve mineral deposits. However, in more severe situations mineral build-ups can partially block the flow of water through the pipes themselves. If you suspect this might be the case, call us at Nowthen Plumbing to thoroughly assess the situation.
Identify Leaks: Low-water pressure can also be caused by damage to the pipe, such as a leak or crack. To determine if you have pipe damage, read your water meter and then shut off your homes’ water taps. Refer back to your meter in two hours. If your water usage has increased, you likely have a leak and need to contact a plumber to schedule a repair. Or the easier route if you think you have a leak is to call us and have us figure it out for you.
Plan Accordingly: Because most of us operate on a somewhat similar schedule throughout the day (showers in the morning, watering the lawn on the weekends, etc.), homes sharing a mutual water distribution pipe may experience water pressure variations. With that in mind, take a look at whether or not your low-water pressure issues are occurring during peak usage hours. If so, consider changing your schedule slightly.
Check Your Valves: Double check that all of your homes’ water valves are completely open to ensure that you benefitting from all potential water pressure. To do so, locate each valve at your homes’ faucet bases and turn clockwise.
Tags: maintenance, maximizing water pressure, NowThen Plumbing, plumbing, water pressure
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
 With guests coming over to celebrate the holidays, the last thing that you want to worry about is a foul order coming from your kitchen sink.
Baking Soda Solution
A quick way to eliminate sink odor is to clean you drain with baking soda. To do so, pour one cup of baking soda into your sink drain. Let it soak for 15 – 20 minutes and then flush the baking soda through the drain with a large pan of boiling water. Be sure to also clean your drain stopper, where odors can tend to linger. Finally, eliminate any remaining smells in your sink pipes with a commercial drain cleaning solution.
Preventing A Smelly Sink
Once your drain has been cleaned, put a stop to future sink stench with these simple prevention tips.
- Attempt to prevent food from going down the drain whenever possible by making sure that your sink stopper fits properly and that it is emptied into the trash after each use.
- If food does go down the drain, be sure to rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to help propel food or particles past the sink’s trap.
- Occasionally wipe your sink with a towel or sponge saturated in undiluted vinegar to help eliminate sink basin smells. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Grind a lemon or orange peel in your kitchen’s garbage disposal to help release citric acid and eliminate smell, while simultaneously cleaning your garbage disposal blades.
Still have a stinky sink? We can help – call us today for a sink-scent solution!
Tags: deodorizing your drain, drain odors, drain repair, drain smells, NowThen Plumbing, sink drain
Posted in Consumer News, Elk River MN Plumber, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice | Comments Off
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
A useful home tool, the WaterCop can help to keep water out of your home. The WaterCop is an automatic water shut-off valve system designed to provide your home with round-the-clock indoor flood protection. Working in conjunction with wired and wireless flood sensors, wall switches, and most home security and home automation systems, it’s designed to be installed on your home’s main floor, on the main water line near the existing manual shut-off valve.
WaterCop flood sensors are then installed near water-based appliances and in rooms where running water is present. When the sensors detect leaking water, a wireless signal is broadcast to the WaterCop main valve causing the valve to close. Water flow is then cut off to all areas of the home to eliminate continuous flooding. Particularly important to Minnesota homeowners is the devices ability to also prevent burst pipes. Optional temperature sensors, placed near indoor pipes, can shut off a home’s water in the event that the ambient indoor temperature drops below a pre-determined point!
After installing your WaterCop, keep in mind that this device reduces your flood related risk and, as a result, can increase your home’s insurability. Contact your insurance agent to determine if you are eligible for discounts associated with automatic water shut-off systems.
Contact Nowthen Plumbing to have your WaterCop flood prevention tool installed today!
Tags: andover mn plumbers, anoka mn plumbers, brooklyn park mn plumbers, Elk River Plumber, Maple Grove Plumbing, plumbing, WaterCop
Posted in Consumer News, Plumber Advice, Special Highlight | Comments Off
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