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.

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!

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!

• Drain Maintenance: While preparing your Thanksgiving meal, be careful to avoid pouring fats or cooking oils down your drain, as these items can congeal and create a clog.  To help avoid this, wipe all grease from your pots with a paper towel before placing them in the sink.

• Garbage Disposal: To avoid garbage disposal clogs, clear plates of any hard, stringy, or tough waste before placing them in the sink.  Common clog culprits to avoid include turkey skin, potato peels, carrots, and celery.  For additional garbage disposal tips, check out our previous post on garbage disposal maintenance.

• Shower Prep: If Thanksgiving is bringing extra house guests your way, consider a shower strategy in advance.  To help
  retain hot water, turn your water heater up slightly (but keep in mind the temperature must remain under 125 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding) and plan on spreading showers throughout the day if possible.

• Pressure Power: To help maximize water pressure through multiple uses, the night before guests arrive clean your shower head.  Pour a cup of vinegar into a plastic bag, place the bag over your shower head and secure overnight.  In the
  morning, remove the vinegar bag and gently scrub off any remaining mineral deposits.

While these tips will help keep you on track, if you do run into a plumbing catastrophe contact Nowthen Plumbing for emergency assistance.  And, from our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Replace Standard Toilets: Toilet usage accounts for approximately 40 percent of all residential water use.  However, several water-saving alternatives to standard toilets are available on the market today.  Two such options include dual flush or low flow toilets.  Dual flush toilets allow users to choose between a lower-flush option for liquid waste and a higher-flush option for solid waste, while low-flush toilets use no more than 1.3 gallons of water per flush.  Installing either will significantly reduce water usage over that of a standard toilet.

Not ready to replace your toilet in its entirety?  Listen to ensure that your current toilet model is not running when not in use.  A running toilet could be a sign that the flapper is leaking inside the tank – a problem that can lead to substantial water loss if not repaired.

Fix The Faucet:  Replace standard faucets with low-flow substitutes or invest in aerator faucets.  Aerators are circular screened disks of metal that when screwed onto faucet heads, reduce the faucets overall flow.  In addition, be sure to make timely repairs on all leaky faucets, as well as shower and tub valves as a single continuous drip can result in gallons of wasted water per week.

Change Your Showerhead: Consider changing your showerhead to a low-flow option.  Trading out a standard showerhead (which has an average flow of 4.5 gallons of water per minute) for a low-flow model (which has an average flow of 2.5 gallons of water per minute) can save a family of four over 20,000 gallons of water per year.  And fortunately, today’s low-flow showerhead models are designed to maximize water usage while still providing a strong shower stream.

Are you ready to make water saving plumbing improvements?  Contact us at Nowthen Plumbing to begin making your plumbing modifications today!

Turn Off Your Water: Whether you have an overflowing sink basin, a backed up drain, or a flooded bathroom, begin to control the damage by shutting off your water at your home’s main shutoff valve.  Typically, the shutoff valve will be located inside your home near your water meter.  Once you (or your plumber) has identified the source of the problem and insulated the issue to a single fixture, isolation valves (valves located at each fixture and designed to stop the flow of water to that location only) can be turned off in place of the shut-off valve.  Using your isolation valve as opposed to the shut-off valve will allow you to keep the water on in the rest of your home while the repair is underway.

Turn Off Your Water Heater: Once your water is turned off, take the time to also turn off your water heater as a partially empty water heater is more likely to burst.

Remove The Water: The first step to resolving your plumbing problems is to contain the water damage.  Remove standing water, mop up any spills, and try to limit further spills.

Call In Reinforcements: If resolving your plumbing problem falls outside of your comfort zone, contact us at Nowthen Plumbing to help remedy the situation.  When you call, try to be as specific as possible to help us pinpoint the problem as quickly and accurately as we can!

Problem 1: My Garbage Disposal Hums

Troubleshoot: If the motor is humming but the disposal isn’t grinding, you likely have a jam resulting in a stuck flywheel (the mechanism that allows the garbage disposal’s blades to turn).  Immediately turn the disposal off, as continued use with a jam can cause the motor to burn out.  First, attempt to remove the jam by using tongs or pliers to pull the obstruction out.  Never use your hands!

If that doesn’t do the trick, unplug the unit and look under the sink at the bottom of your unit for a hex-shaped hole.  Most disposals will have a hex wrench attached to them that can be fitted into this hole and forced back and forth in both directions to free the impellers.  Newer models may also have a reverse switch that can accomplish the same task.

Problem 2: My Garbage Disposal Won’t Turn On

Troubleshoot: If your garbage disposal won’t turn on you may have an electrical issue.  First, ensure that your disposal is plugged in (most plug into a socket right under the sink).  Next, find the reset button on your unit and attempt to reset.  If all else fails, check the circuit breaker to ensure that it does need to be reset.

Problem 3: My Garbage Disposal Leaks

Troubleshoot: If you notice a leak below the disposal, first pinpoint the leak’s source and then tighten the offending connection.  Common sources of leaks include the sink flange, dishwasher connection, and discharge drainpipe.

Problem 4: My Garbage Disposal Isn’t Grinding

Troubleshoot: If your disposal is running but not grinding, the blades are likely broken.  In this case, it is typically more affordable and far less hassle to replace your entire unit.

To avoid future issues, follow these simple steps to clean your garbage disposal.  If you need assistance installing a new model or replacing your current unit, please contact us!

As temperatures continue to drop, homeowners must begin to prepare for the plumbing problems associated with cold weather.  Take these steps to prepare for the winter months ahead and avoid unwanted plumbing problems!

Clear Gutter Clutter: Remove fall leaves and other debris from gutters and exterior downspouts.  As temperatures rise and fall and water freezes and melts, having these pathways clear will help to ensure easy drainage throughout the winter and into spring.

Ensure Water Heater Readiness: Prepare your water heater for the winter months with these simple instructions from our last post and set the temperature to 120°F to ensure optimal performance.

Prepare The Outdoors: Check your exterior faucets for any dripping or leaking and repair accordingly.  This simple preparation will help to ensure that pipes do not freeze and crack.  In addition, all outdoor water hoses should be disconnected and the water drained from the lines.  Keep in mind, if you have an underground sprinkler system this will also need to be turned off by a professional.

Sump Pump: Because sump pumps exposed to extreme cold can freeze and, as a result, stop operating, sump pumps should be checked and cleaned annually.  Fall is the perfect time to check your sump pump and make any necessary repairs.

Vacation Variance: If you intend to leave your home for an extended period this winter or fall additional preparation may be necessary.  For example, the main water valve should be shut off, all faucets should be drained, and your home thermostat should be set no lower than 55°F.

For more information on seasonal plumbing readiness contact Nowthen Plumbing!

Check You Water Heater’s Pressure Valve: Both gas and electric water heaters feature a safety device known as a pressure valve.  The purpose of this valve is to open and release pressure in the event that the water heater tank becomes over pressurized.  To avoid problems pressure valves should be checked every six months.

To do so, turn of your water heater’s electricity (if you have a gas water heater simply turn the thermostat to the “pilot” setting) and shut off the cold-water running to the water heater.  Place a bucket underneath the pressure valve and pull the valve’s trip lever.  A properly working pressure valve will release a slight rush of air, vapors, or a small amount of water.  If you do not see any of these signs contact us at NowThen Plumbing to replace the valve.

Flush Your Water Heater Tank: Over time sediment can collect in your hot water heater forcing it to work harder than necessary and eventually lead to leaks, rust, and corrosion.  Because of this, hot water heaters should be drained on a regular basis to eliminate sediment build-up and help to extend the water heater’s life.

While your water heater’s electricity and the water running to it are both turned off, connect a garden hose to the tank’s drain valve.  Place the end of the draining hose in a collection bucket.  Open both the pressure relief valve and the drain valve to allow the tank to empty completely.  Once it has done so, close the drain valve, disconnect the hose and close the pressure relief valve.  To restart your water heater, open all the hot-water spigots in the house and turn the cold-water flowing into the tank back on.  As water begins to flow from each hot-water spigot, close them in turn until all the spigots have been turned off.  Finally turn the electricity back on to the water heater.

Because each tank may vary, always read the warnings and instructions accompanying your hot water heater.  For more information about home water heater maintenance or to schedule an appointment to have your home water heater inspected, call us at Nowthen Plumbing for a low-cost consultation!

Once you determine that a North Star Water Softener is right for you, we’ll help you choose the right model, based on the capacity you need, the style and electronics.

Choosing the right water softener ensures that you protect your home from the damages of hard water.  A water softener can give you cleaner dishes, smoother skin, les soap residue, and so much more. Visit this North Star PDF to learn more about their softeners and the benefits of owning one. And if you have questions or would like to discuss purchasing one give us a call, and we will guide you through the process.