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Posts Tagged ‘Maple Grove Plumbing’
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
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, October 6th, 2010
“No touch” or “hands free” faucets have been around for years. They can mostly be found in public bathrooms, where motion sensor technology allows people to wash their hands without risking contamination from having to touch dirty faucet handles. The faucets works by motion activated infrared beams that reflect off an object when it’s within a certain area and activate water flow. When the object is no longer in that area, the beams do not reflect and the water automatically shuts off. Though this technology has certainly helped hygiene and reduced the spread of germs in public bathrooms, the infrared motion sensor faucets have typically been too expensive or not practical enough to make it into the mainstream home market, despite a great desire among many people for improved kitchen faucet technology.
In an effort to capitalize on this growing demand, Delta has come out with its new “Touch 2 o” technology. Instead of a waving your hand in front of a motion sensor with an infrared “no touch” faucet, the Touch 2 o allows you to simply tap anywhere on the faucet’s body or handle to turn the water on or off. The general idea is that this will reduce contamination from fingers covered in raw meat, etc. while cooking, keep faucet handles cleaner, and allow you more control over your water flow than a normal no touch system. There are many benefits to the Touch 2 o; the design gives you the option of controlling the water flow by tapping, or you can control it manually with the separate handle as you would with a regular faucet. The tap system is also designed to reduce water waste. Because turning the water on and off is much easier and quicker with the Touch 2 o, users are much more likely to conserve water when washing dishes, rinsing food, cleaning hands, and so on.
While the benefits are certainly exciting, the Touch 2 o is not without its drawbacks. Because the technology is still so new, many users have reported problems with the sensors in the faucet working incorrectly or not at all. Adjusting the water temperature is also a bit of a problem. The faucet is designed to stay at the same water temperature that was used during the previous wash, which means that if it used to be cold and now you need hot right away, you’re going to have to adjust it using the separate handle anyway, virtually negating the benefits of the tapping system.
Despite its flaws, however, it’s nice to see innovative technology emerging in the field of home plumbing. The Touch 2 o is only going to get better as time goes on and Delta works out the kinks, and we’re excited to see what new faucet technology evolution comes next.
Tags: andover mn plumber, anoka mn plumbers, brooklyn park mn plumbers, champlin mn plumbers, delta touch free faucet, elk river mn plumbers, maple grove mn plumbers, Maple Grove Plumbing, No touch faucet
Posted in Bath Plumbing, Consumer News, Elk River MN Plumber, Kitchen Plumbing | Comments Off
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.
Tags: andover mn plumbing services, anoka mn plumbers, Anoka MN Plumbing, Brooklyn Park Plumber, Elk River Plumber, Elk River Plumbing, Lead Safety Plumber, Maple Grove Plumbing, plumbers
Posted in Consumer News | 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
Posted in Consumer News | 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
Friday, May 21st, 2010
The average person flushes the toilet six times a day. The average low-flow toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush versus older technology toilets which used up to 7 gallons per flush. Water conservation like this not only helps the environment, but it can also help your wallet as well by consistently lowering your water bill each month. Though low-flow toilets can cost a bit more to install initially, the economic benefits over time are quickly making low-flow toilets an industry standard.
Despite their many obvious advantages, low-flow toilets are not known for their power and can sometimes fail to flush a particularly large bundle. Though we here at Nowthen plumbing are happy to drive from Anoka to Andover and back again to help you with a clog, we know that you’d rather just avoid the situation altogether to begin with.
New technology is making it possible to get powerful flushing and water conservation all in one. If you’re considering installing a low-flow toilet in your home or want to upgrade your current model, the following brands are some of the best options on the market.
1) Toto Ultra-Max: Quiet, powerful, and consumer-friendly, this toilet is easy to assemble and is known for its “three second flush.”
2) Caroma Caravelle: Featuring dual flush technology that allows a half-flush button for liquid waste and a full-flush button for solid waste. Dual flush options are quickly gaining popularity in many homes around the country.
3) Kohler Archer One-Piece: Chic and powerful, this toilet highlights “gravity-fed” flush technology that makes it quieter than normal pressure-assisted models. Consumer Reports recently did a feature blog and video on the Kohler One-Piece.
4) Toto Drake: Has what many industry professionals consider to be the most thorough and powerful flush, leaving nothing in the bowl.
5) Kohler Purist Hatbox: For those looking for a toilet that’s a little less intrusive and a little easier on the eyes, the Kohler Hatbox is a great low-flow option. With a modern design that stays true to its name, the Hatbox is powerful while still remaining stylish.
And remember, no matter what toilet suits you best, Nowthen Plumbing will always be there to help when something goes wrong! To see our entire list of services visit the Nowthen Plumbing Services pages.
Tags: Brooklyn Park plumbing services, low flow toilets anoka and andover, Low-flow toilets pros and cons, Maple Grove Plumbing
Posted in Consumer News | Comments Off
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
We install many new hot water heaters each year – all over Minneapolis/St. Paul, from Maple Grove to Edina. So we wanted to share with you a few ways to tell that it is time to replace your old hot water heater. 1. Age. It is wise to look at how long your hot water heater has been working. The life expectancy of a gas hot water heater is approximately 8 – 12 years, while the life expectancy of an electric model is 10 – 15 years. Lastly, tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of about 20 years.
2. Flooded area around the water heater. At the end of the water heaters life you will find a growing puddle of water around it. This is a pretty clear sign that it is time to replace it.
3. Water is not as hot or you run out of hot water quickly. You will notice that your hot water is not lasting as long as it used to when the hot water heater was functioning correctly.
The reasons listed above are all basis for calling a plumber to discuss the possibility of needing a new hot water heater. Call us here at Nowthen Plumbing and we will help you figure out your replacement needs – such as what size and style will accommodate your lifestyle.
The first thing we will discuss is how much hot water you use on a daily basis, especially during those peak hours. Next we will look at what type of hot water heater fits your needs. Most often it is best to stick with what you have installed already.
Although we are very quick at installing new hot water heaters it is wise not to wait until the last minute to replace it, unless you don’t mind cold water of course.
Tags: Edina Plumbing, Hot Water Heater Replacement, Maple Grove MN Plumbing, Maple Grove Plumbing, Plumbing Water Heaters
Posted in Consumer News | Comments Off
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