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Posts Tagged ‘Andover Plumbing’
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Thus begins our series, Things You Might Not Know About Us, But Probably Should. Volume One: We’re MN GreenStar certified!
Though you may have already guessed our passion for green products based on the multiple previous blog posts we’ve written on just that topic, you might not know the extent to which we put our passion into practice by becoming a member of MN GreenStar. What is MN GreenStar you ask? Simply put, it’s a program designed to set the industry standard for green building construction and remodeling. GreenStar specializes in educating companies on green building practices and helps them work towards achieving official certification as eco-friendly sustainable companies. By being a member of MN GreenStar Nowthen is committing itself to always valuing the practice of green plumbing and the use of green plumbing products.
But wait, there’s more! According to the source itself (www.mngreenstar.org), the five key principles of MN GreenStar green building programs include: “energy efficiency (reducing the amount of energy required to operate the home); resource efficiency (reduce resources used in building, modifying and maintaining the home); water conservation (maximize the efficient use of water both in and around the home); indoor environmental quality (creating a healthier indoor environment for the occupants); and site and community impact (consider the impact of the materials and the home building process on the land and the immediate community as well as the global community and environment).”
So how does this apply to you? Well, when you work with Nowthen you’ll be working with a company that values the earth around your home as much as your home itself. We will always do whatever it takes to satisfy your plumbing needs, and we’ll always do it in the most eco-friendly, efficient way possible. The days of harsh chemicals and polluting products are over, when you work with us or use our recommended products you don’t have to worry about what you’re dumping into your water system anymore, because we’re committed to keeping the water you and your family use every day as clean and green as possible (and we’ve got the membership to prove it!).
Tags: Andover Plumbing, anoka plumbers, elk river plumbers, green plumbing tips, green practice plumbing, greenstar mn certified, maple grove plumbers, Maple Grove Plumbing, maple grove plumbing services, mn greenstar member
Posted in Plumber Advice, Remodeling - Plumbing | 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
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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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