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October 6th, 2011
 Garbage disposals are an essential tool in the modern kitchen, making food preparation and clean-up significantly easier. However, this kitchen helper is often overlooked until a problem causes us to stop and take notice! Follow these trouble shooting suggestions for common garbage disposal mishaps.
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!
Tags: andover plumbers, anoka plumbers, brooklyn park plumbers, elk river plumbers, garbage disposal maintenance, garbage disposal troubleshooting, maple grove plumbers services
Posted in Elk River MN Plumber, Plumber Advice | No Comments »
September 22nd, 2011
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!
Tags: andover plumbers, anoka plumbing company, elk river plumbers, fall home maintenance, fall plumbing maintenance, plumbering in Maple Grove
Posted in Plumber Advice | No Comments »
September 6th, 2011
 As kids head back to the classroom and the leaves begin to change, homeowners are reminded of the impending season change and the accompanying home maintenance that this time of year brings. Because home water heaters work harder during the winter months fall is a key time for water heater upkeep and repair.
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!
Tags: fall, maintenance, NowThen Plumbing, plumbing, repair, water heater
Posted in Consumer News, Elk River MN Plumber, Water Heaters | No Comments »
August 19th, 2011
Today we are profiling a product that we install quite often, North Star Water Softeners. This line of products comes with a good warranty for your piece of mind, along with some exceptional features. North Star’s “Look Ahead” patented technology shows that you can use up to 60% less salt than the conventional water softener.
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.
Tags: andover pluming company, anoka plumbers, elk river plumbers, maple grove plumbers, north star water softeners, plumber water softeners, water softeners
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Consumer News, Elk River MN Plumber | No Comments »
August 9th, 2011
Dealing with low water pressure in your home is not a fun task. A lot of homeowners are faced with this problem in their homes due to a wide variety of factors. They either live really far from their water supply, they have clogged pipes, or they live on top of a hill. Either way it’s a daunting problem to have.
The science of why water pressure is low in a home is not too difficult to explain. Basically, the harder it is for the water to get to the faucet the lower the water pressure will be. There are, however, a variety of ways a homeowner can fix this problem.
First things first, majority of households get their water from the city. So, call your city’s water department to have them come inspect what is going on. If you find out you do have a problem then it is time to call the plumber. Usually the main cause of low water pressure is corroded pipes. Over time, gunk corrodes the pipes allowing less water to pass through, which makes it harder for the water flow, hence your weak shower.
Replacing your pipes is an option depending on how old and/or how clogged the pipes are. This option may dip into the pockets a bit, so installing a water pressure booster pump is also an option, which is also something a plumber should take care of for you.
Nevertheless, a good pipe cleaning may be all that is needed for your pipes as well. Ask us about some of the cleaning products we recommend by emailing us info@nowthenplumbing.com.
Tags: Clogged drains, pipes, plumbing
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Consumer News, Kitchen Plumbing, Plumber Advice, Plumbing Clogs | No Comments »
July 20th, 2011
Save your money from going down the drain
Everybody has their own at-home remedies to get things fixed. There comes a time when you need to question if these remedies are really working or are they just something that will eventually put your money down the drain. We came across some myths about plumbing that could be costing you money, check it out.
Myth # 1: Putting lemons and limes down your garbage disposal will make it smell fresh
Bust # 1: The citric acid from fruits like lemons and limes will corrode the metal blade inside your disposal making it dull in the long-run causing you to have to replace it.
Myth # 2: Using “in-tank” cleaners are the best way to keep your toilet clean
Bust # 2: Cleaners used for the toilet usually contain bleach. Therefore, if you store a cleaner in a dark and damp concealed area the bleach can build-up and get a foul order. Eventually this buildup will ruin the functionality of your toilet.
Myth # 3: Running the water while the garbage disposal is going is a must
Bust # 3: If there is already a blockage in the disposal using water is not going to help it. Easing the waste with the water at the same time will allow the flow to breakdown and run smoothly.
Myth # 4: Soap cleans my hands so it can clean my fixtures.
Bust # 4: When soap and water combine they create foam. That foam on fixtures will cause them to cloud immediately and corrode and peel over time.
Myth #5: Every plumber knows what they are doing so it’s okay to trust them with your home
Bust # 5: Just because a plumber has a tool and the wardrobe does not mean they are a good plumber. Be sure they are a highly trained plumbing professional. Click here to learn more about Nowthen Plumbing’s team.
Tags: Clogged drains, garbage disposal cleaning, Hot Water Heater Replacement, Sump Pump Tips
Posted in Consumer News | No Comments »
July 8th, 2011
Some people don’t understand the importance of having a water softener in their home if they have hard water. Even though hard water is not a hazard to your health, it may be to the life of your appliances, clothes, and not to mention those good ol’ hair days. The build-up of the calcium can clog pipes. The shower covered with soap scum and your hair will look dull and lifeless. Now that is no way to live.
We spend enough time running around and cleaning. The last thing we want to do is come home to dishes in the dishwasher that have been washed but are covered with streaks. This is another casualty that comes with having hard water.
What is the solution? Installing a water softener will give you back that shiny hair you once had. Your clothes won’t be falling apart at the seams. And, your dishes will come out of the dishwasher sparkling. Why give yourself one more headache of dealing with hard water when both your appliances and you work so hard.
Try the Northstar UD30 Water Softener. You and your appliances will not be sorry.
Posted in Consumer News | No Comments »
June 20th, 2011
Knowing who’s doing the physical plumbing work on your home can only go so far, to be a truly smart consumer you should also know what products that person is using and where they got them from. We’re all about openness and easy access of information at Nowthen, so we’re going to save you some research time and do yet another profile of one of our trusted suppliers for you.
Ferguson may be the biggest plumbing supply wholesaler in North America, but its commitment to quality and personal touch is much more reminiscent of a small Ma and Pa type shop. Their motto, “Nobody expects more from us more than we do,” resonates especially strongly with us.
Founded in 1953 with a relatively small amount of starting money and only two locations, Ferguson has since spread to all 50 states, including locations in Puerto Rico and Mexico. They have nearly 1400 service centers and over 16,000 employees. Headquartered in Virginia, they specialize in everything from basic plumbing supplies to HVAC water heaters to fireplaces and major appliances, with a focus on green products and practices.
Their website has a ton of helpful information, including a very detailed history of how the company was formed and how it grew, and personal bios of the company’s executives so you can get to know the actual people behind the brand. We’re a big fan of their products, services, and company values and hope you feel better knowing that you’re in good hands at every level.
Tags: andover mn plumbers, anoka mn plumbers, brooklyn park mn plumbers, elk river plumbers, ferguson plumbing suppy, HVAC water heater installer, maple grove plumbing company, plumbing fixture provider
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Consumer News, Special Highlight | No Comments »
June 9th, 2011
Don’t forget to take advantage of our June special! Here are the details.
During the month of June: 10% off a NorthStar UD30 water softener! Special runs until June 30th. Call now to take advantage of this great offer!
Tags: Anoka mn water softner special, brooklyn park mn water softner installation, elk river mn water softner special, maple grove plumbers
Posted in Special Highlight | No Comments »
June 3rd, 2011
It seems that the April showers and spring stormy season came a little late this year. Floods, tornadoes, hail, and rain–not what you usually think the month of May is made of. If there’s anything we Minnesotans know it’s that aside from the tame June, July, and August, weather in this town is generally unpredictable, usually worse than expected, and almost always a whole lot of trouble.
If you’ve paid any attention whatsoever to our blogs the past year, by now you will have gotten your sump pump checked, hooked up a battery powered sump pump back up, and most likely published a best-selling novel all about the wonders of the sump pump.
Now that we’ve got the most important part covered, here are a few other tips for this watery time of year:
-Going away for a long trip? Turn off your main water valve. That way if the unexpected happens while you’re gone you’ll still come back to a dry home.
-Have your roof expected every couple years to make sure there aren’t any leaks or potential problem areas.
-Always keep an eye out for water damage warning signs. Mold spots, discoloration, or flaking wall paper/paint could mean a leak somewhere you can’t see.
-Set up drain lines from your roof so that they pour away from your home, not towards the foundation.
-Check nearby drainage areas to make sure they’re not clogged with leaves and other debris. Even if they’re not directly connected to your home, back up in those areas can lead to a lot of residual damage.
Tags: battery back up sump pumps, brooklyn park plumbers, elk river plumbers, home flood prevention tips, maple grove plumbers, sump pumps, ways to protect your home from flooding
Posted in Plumber Advice, Sump Pumps | No Comments »
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Garbage disposals are an essential tool in the modern kitchen, making food preparation and clean-up significantly easier. However, this kitchen helper is often overlooked until a problem causes us to stop and take notice! Follow these trouble shooting suggestions for common garbage disposal mishaps.
