You may have spotted a leak or some other plumbing trouble, but how do you know whether it is worth repairing or it is time to do a full replacement?

For instance, over time, your plumbing pipes will rust and leak, so it can be cost-saving just to replace them to avoid water damage.What about some other fixtures and appliances? What should you do about those? Here is what we suggest:

Your Washing Machine

Washing machines, because they are made up of many different components, may often break down if one component isn’t working well.

In that case, it might be worth investigating if you can repair a single component to extend the life of the machine.

However, signs that you might need to replace it are excessive noises or excessive leaking. A little groan or small amount of water here and there is no big deal, but more than that and you probably need a new washing machine.

Replace Your Kitchen Sink?

Beyond your décor reasons, how do you know if it is time to replace your kitchen sink? Are you having chronic problems with leaks, particularly under the sink?

Is there a foul odor in your sink that you can’t seem to get rid of? Are clogs there more often than not? It might be worthwhile getting the sink plumbing redone and a whole new sink at the same time.

Water Heater Replacement?

The first telltale sign is the age of your water heater. If you have a tankless water heater, it should last about 20 years.

A regular storage tank can survive for about 10-15 years. If your water heater is older, than you likely need a new one right off the bat.

Other signs that it may be beyond repair is if it is rusty, extremely leaky or making lurching noises.

When to Replace the Shower Head

It’s not uncommon for shower heads to leak, which you can most often fix with a handy wrench. However, if the leaks won’t go away, it might be a better idea to get a new one.

While you are at it, you can replace it with a low flow shower head, which will save you money on your water bills.

Want to learn more about how eco-friendly plumbing fixtures can help reduce your water bills in Apple Valley, MN? Call us today.

These Water Bill Hacks Will Save you Money

Ready to make 2018 your most successful year yet? Part of that comes down to your ability to make your household budget go further. In order to accomplish that, you’ve got to be able to cut back on costs around your home. A great way to streamline expenses is to reduce your water use.

In addition to upgrading your plumbing to eco-friendly fixtures, which will greatly reduce your overall water footprint and costs, there are a number of good habits to adopt that will help even more. Here is what you need to know.

Visit the Commercial Car Wash

It might seem more convenient to wash your car at home, but you use a lot more water that way. It’s also not an efficient use of water, because you run the hose quite a bit.

It’s more cost effective to take your car to your local commercial car wash. If you can locate one that uses recycled water, it is even better for the environment.

Shower Instead of Bath

According to the EPA, a typical bath uses 70 gallons of water, while a shower uses way less- only about 10-25 gallons. The issue though is that you’ve got to keep your showers on the short side to make them efficient (like 5-8 minutes or less).

To help keep on track with this conservation effort, put on a timer before you get in the shower so you don’t lose track of time.

Fix Plumbing Leaks Right Away

A dripping faucet may look like it doesn’t really waste that much water, but those small drips add up to a large water bill. It doesn’t take long for that water to accumulate. You could also be looking at footing the bill for water damage as well.

Keep watch for signs of leaks, like damp spots, mold growth, moisture on the pipes, pooling water, unexplained increases in your water bills and low water pressure.

Greywater for Your Plants

It’s important to keep your plants well hydrated, but there is no need to run up your water bill in order to do so. Instead of filling your watering can from the tap, use greywater instead. This is water that has already been used (usually for cooking or washing) and mist that on your plants instead.

It can be costly to run a household here in Apple Valley, MN. That’s why sourcing out great money saving hacks, like reducing your water bill is the way to go.

Make a Winter Home Checklist and Make Sure You Check it Twice

Santa’s not the only one this winter that has a long list that he needs to check twice to make sure that he doesn’t forget anything. Homeowners in Apple Valley, MN should follow the same approach as the mercury drops and the winter chill sets in.

Here is a checklist to follow to make sure that your home is warm, dry and safe for the duration of the winter, no matter the weather outside.

De-Icing Salt is a Must

With very chilly temps in the winter and unfavorable weather, layers of slick ice on your driveway and walkway are a reality.

These can be particularly dangerous if you don’t treat them before you step on them. Make sure that you stock up on de-icing salt before it gets really cold outside.

Keep it somewhere handy (like the front porch) so that you don’t have to wander too far to get it after a storm.

Take small steps and spread in a wide fan fashion so that you don’t slip and fall. The salt (or regular sand) may also come in handy if you have outdoor pipes. Many times, these can become frozen, clogging up your home's entire plumbing system.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Testing

Don’t risk your property or your family’s safety by ignoring the importance of carbon monoxide and smoke detector testing.

Ensure that they are in good condition and that they have new batteries (it is smart to replace them once a year).

Remove the caps and vacuum out the inside. Dust and spider webs will build up over time, making it hard for them to work well.

Never paint over them either, even if they don’t match your décor. Paint will block the sensors. As an extra safety step, store a fire extinguisher on each level of your home within easy reach.

Ventilation and Insulation

The walls are responsible for keeping most of the heat in your home (not the windows and doors as is commonly thought).

Approximately 30-35 percent of a home’s heat loss will escape through walls that aren’t insulated. That’s why is it is so essential to have intact, thick insulation.

Wondering if your home is at risk? Do you feel drafts? Do you feel like some rooms are colder than others, even though the heat is set the same? Do the floors and ceilings feel cold to the touch?

It’s worth calling for a professional opinion. Ventilation is key in the winter as well, although not for the same reasons as in the summer. In the winter, you need heat to be evenly distributed through your home. Areas that are damp won’t heat effectively. For the best results, rely on a ventilation system to move the air well.