Apple Valley Plumbing Company Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater for You

Three Options for Water Heater Installation

Most water heaters last about 10 years and are expensive enough that most people can’t swap them out without financially planning ahead. Homeowners will have to live awhile with whatever they decide. When a water heater finally fails, it can force homeowners to make big decisions more quickly than they would like.

For these reasons, it's a good idea to understand the options for water heaters before an emergency occurs. Here are three decisions that homeowners must make when considering water heater installation, along with the pros and cons of each.

Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are a common choice for heating water in the home. In fact, they are the most-installed type of storage water heater across the US. A gas water heater has a large tank that holds water.

A powerful burner heats the water in the tank to a certain setpoint to be ready for use. Because these burners produce so much heat, a gas water heater can recover its temperature more quickly when the demand for hot water increases. More hot water is available, and people in the family will have to wait less time for the tank to heat up when hot water is depleted.

One of the main drawbacks of gas water heaters is the danger. Natural gas can be hazardous, and some homeowners don’t want to take the risk. Gas water heaters are also generally more short-lived than other options. While they are cheaper to operate month to month, savvy homeowners may look to save money long-term with a longer-lasting option.

Electric Water Heater

The second most popular choice for water heaters is electric storage water heaters. These are often found in homes that are only powered by electricity, so the builders don’t have to install natural gas or propane infrastructure. This can save money on the construction cost of the home, but it also increases the cost of monthly electricity bills because the heating elements in the water tank of an electric water heater consume so much power.

Because the heating elements heat the water more slowly, the water heater's total capacity will be less. However, this reduces the tank's expansion and contraction cycles, reducing overall wear and tear and improving longevity.

Tankless Water Heater

The latest development in hot water technology is the tankless water heater. This type of heater doesn’t have a tank to store heated water. Instead, it relies on powerful burners or heating elements to produce hot water as needed.

Flow sensors within the unit can detect when hot water is needed and cycle the burners on immediately. The burners will continue to operate until demand ceases, meaning they can produce endless hot water.

While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they can lower the cost of producing hot water by up to 30%. This saves money while giving homes more access to hot water exactly when needed. Additionally, tankless water heaters have longer lifespans than storage water heaters.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company can help homeowners choose the perfect water heater for their needs. Whether it’s for water heater replacement or a new construction, they help homeowners carefully consider their options. Call today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Avoid Costly Repairs: Spot the Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line Early

How To Recognize When Drain Cleaning is Needed

Knowing and understanding the warning signs of a clogged sewer line is a great way to be proactive. Rather than waiting until a major backup or clog requires expensive repairs, homeowners can act when they see the smaller warning signs and prevent big drain issues from occurring.

Gurgling Sounds are Audible Warning Signs

When the pipes and plumbing start gurgling, problems are coming, and no signs will be visible. However, that gurgling sound should never be ignored. It happens when water is pushed through the pipeline but struggles to pass through, forcing air through the opening.

The only reason air would get trapped is some sort of obstruction. While the obstruction is not yet a full blockage, it could quickly become one. That’s why taking action now can avoid huge drain repair-related issues.

Water and Sewage Backups are a Clear Red Flag

What starts out as a sewer line clog can easily lead to a sewer line backup. When the sewage backs up and won’t go down at all, there is a problem that needs to be handled very quickly. Be cautious if you have sewage backing up, as this health hazard requires proper safety precautions.

Sinks, tubs, and toilets are all meant to flow freely. However, a blockage will prevent the free flow of materials. When that happens, materials start to reverse, looking for a place to flow. There are many things that can cause backups, such as these:

Debris
Tree roots
Grease buildup
Hair buildup

Always know what is safe to flush and what isn’t. Properly care for your drains to prevent grease or other debris from building up and leading to a backup. If there are signs of a backup or things not moving freely like they should, contact a plumber right away.

Slow Draining Fixtures Should Be Addressed

If appliances, bathtubs, or other drains are draining slowly, this is a clear warning sign. There isn’t a backup yet, but there is an obstruction, and a backup is imminent if it is not resolved. What starts as slow drainage can quickly become a sewer line clog.

In most cases, these obstructions and clogged sewer lines can be handled with drain cleaning options. Plumbers will use a drain snake or a hydrojetting system to help clear out the lines, clean the drains, and ensure the sewer line can operate as it is intended to.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star services for every customer, using affordable pricing and a friendly approach to take care of your needs. If you need sewer line repair or help with drain cleaning, contact them today for drain cleaning services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Protect Against Flooding With a Sump Pump

What Is a Sump Pump – And Why Do You Need One?

A flooded basement is one of the most dreaded scenarios homeowners can face. The expense, the hassle, the days and weeks of remediation and restoration to undo the water damage… it’s something to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, a sump pump can help do just that. So, what is a sump pump?

A sump pump is an electric pump installed at the lowest point in a home’s footprint, typically in a basement or cellar, to remove water collecting in the soil beneath the home’s foundation. Sump pumps are essential for preventing flooding during heavy rainfall or in homes with basements or cellars built below the water table. This article will explain some benefits of installing a sump pump, how they work, and the different types available.

Sump Pump Benefits

A sump pump sits inside a sump pit or “sump pump basin” – a hole in the floor about 1.5-2 feet wide and 2-3 feet deep. Water around the home’s foundation is funneled into the sump pit through the soil or foundation drains. When the water gets too high, it activates the sump pump float switch, turning on the motor and pumping the water out and away from the house through an effluent pipe.

The benefits of sump pump installation include:

Helps prevent flooding and water damage during major storms.
Reduces overall humidity in the home.
Helps prevent mold growth, mildew, and infestations caused by excess moisture.
Adds to the home’s property value.

Primary Sump Pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Each has advantages and drawbacks.

Submersible Sump Pump—Submersible pumps have the motor and pump housed in one unit designed to submerge in water completely. Since these fit inside the sump pit, they take up less space, are more discreet, and are quieter than pedestal pumps. However, since the motor spends all of its time underwater, submersible units tend to have a shorter lifespan, are harder to access for sump pump maintenance, and are generally more expensive.
Pedestal Sump Pump—With a pedestal pump, the motor sits atop a pedestal or rod about 2-3 feet tall, away from the water. Only the pump and the float switch sit inside the sump basin. As such, pedestal sump pumps can be slightly unsightly, noisy, and take up more space. However, they are cheaper, easier to maintain, and longer-lasting than submersible pumps.

Backup Sump Pumps

Installing a secondary sump pump or battery backup may also be a good idea. There are a few different configurations of this to consider. Sometimes, a primary and secondary sump pump can be installed in the same sump pit. If the primary pump goes out, the secondary pump can take over.

A sump pump battery backup can also be installed as a failsafe for the primary pump. The backup can kick in to power the primary sump pump if the power goes out. Even water-powered backups use water pressure from the home’s water supply to pump out excess groundwater. Alternatively, homeowners could invest in a combination sump pump, which features a primary and backup sump pump all in one unit.

With so many types of sump pumps, homeowners should consult a trusted local plumber to determine which is right for their home and budget!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Since it was founded in 2013, Apple Valley Plumbing Company has become one of the most highly-rated plumbers in Apple Valley and the surrounding areas. Their trustworthy, licensed, and insured technicians always arrive on time and leave every home better than they found it. As an award-winning local business, Apple Valley Plumbing Company is proud to offer up-front pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job – so call them today for sump pump services in Apple Valley, MN!

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Useful Winter Plumbing Tips

Prepare the Plumbing for Fall and Winter

Summer is winding down, and soon, people will enjoy cooler weather and settle into their typical cool-season routines. While the change of pace is welcome, homeowners need to take action to ensure their homes are protected from the change in the weather. Nowhere is this more true than with the plumbing in the home.

Winter, especially local winters, are notorious for causing plumbing problems. When temperatures drop, one of the most common issues is frozen pipes that deprive families of water, causing pipe bursts and subsequent flooding. Fall is the best time to prepare, so take this advice from local plumbers to protect your home from winter plumbing hazards.

Insulate the Pipes

The water in pipes can freeze when temperatures get low enough. This causes the water to expand inside the pipe, potentially causing the pipe to rupture. The first line of defense against exposed pipes is to insulate them with special pipe insulation. Exposed pipes are commonly found in locations like:

Attics
Crawl spaces
Outdoor plumbing like hose bibs and outdoor sinks or showers
Near pools
Unfinished basements
Garages

Insulating pipes is easy and cost-effective. While the insulation and heating system protects most piping in a home, most homes would benefit from added pipe insulation in the places mentioned above. Plumbers can be hired to insulate pipes, or homeowners can do it as part of a project during a fall weekend. Purchase pipe insulation and tape from a hardware store and protect all of the surfaces of the pipe that may come into contact with cold air.

Take Preventative Measures

During the winter, frigid temperatures can endanger pipes that are protected within walls, especially pipes in exterior walls. Since insulating these pipes is invasive, other ways exist to protect them from freezing. First, keeping the thermostat set higher in the winter helps keep the home warmer and protects against pipe damage.

Second, opening cabinets with bathroom or kitchen plumbing can allow warm air to circulate near the pipes' walls. Using fans or space heaters, homeowners can keep these portions of the wall warmer to protect the pipes within. Finally, leaving plumbing fixtures that may freeze dripping slightly can keep warmer water flowing through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

Before winter, a few steps are necessary to protect outdoor plumbing from freezing. The first responsibility is to roll up hoses so that they are purged of remaining water. While doing this, make sure all hoses are disconnected from the hose bib to prevent it from freezing. If shutoff valves are available for outdoor plumbing, turning off the water supply and draining the line is recommended.

Pools and irrigation systems need to be shut down properly for maximum protection. Drain pools below the skimmer and drain the pumps and piping. Shut off water service to irrigation equipment and allow residual water to drain away. Taking all of these steps can help ensure a smooth, problem-free winter.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a local plumbing expert that can help owners prepare for winter. They offer same-day service and upfront pricing. Call today for courteous and professional plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Warning Signs It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Knowing When It’s Time for New Water Heater Installation

Nearly every home relies on a water heater to provide warm or hot water for everyday needs. Whether a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, these appliances are important for household comfort, operational needs, and daily tasks. A water heater may be able to be cleaned or repaired to continue water heating for the home’s needs. However, there comes a time when a new water heater installation is going to be necessary and unavoidable. It’s much better to be proactive and replace the water heater before a major issue occurs or the unit fails inconveniently. These signs will help homeowners know when to call for water heater replacement.

Corrosion

Some corrosion is going to happen over time. After all, water heaters are subjected to heavy amounts of water and minerals paired with heat. It’s a natural by-product of what the water heater does. While some units are made with materials that are less likely to corrode, it can still happen over time. However, corrosion can cause many issues with the water heater, including leaks, contamination, or even affecting various parts of the water heater.

These are some signs that corrosion is an issue besides visually seeing it:

Metallic odors of heated water
Rusty-looking hot water
Sediment or rust debris in water
Leaks from the water heater tank

When any of these things are noted, it’s best to contact a professional. With extensive corrosion, a unit will need to be replaced. This is why it's crucial to schedule routine water heater maintenance, as it will help prevent corrosion and extend the unit's lifespan.

Hot Water Supply Declines

When there isn’t as much hot water as there should be or none at all, there is a problem. Water heaters have a specific capacity or output. With a tank water heater or storage water heater, the water will be heated, and the tank will be filled and stored for use. A tankless water heater will immediately heat and release water for a specified output.

If there is a decline in this supply or a lack of hot water, that’s a sign that the water heater is not working as intended. A professional can help troubleshoot why the water heater is not heating appropriately and provide the necessary repairs or water heater replacement as needed.

Consider the Age and Frequency of Repairs

Finally, an aging water heater simply won’t last forever. There comes a time when frequent repairs are simply not a solid investment. When this happens, it is better to go ahead and pay for water heater replacement than to continue paying for repairs on an aging unit.

Tankless water heaters are typically designed to last around 20 years, while traditional tank water heaters last about 8-12 years. Understand the unit's lifespan in the home and be prepared to act accordingly should issues occur.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star service to every customer. They stand by the principle of treating every home as their own. With more than ten years of dedicated service in the plumbing industry, the locally owned company can provide for various needs. Contact them today for water heater replacement or repair in Apple Valley, MN!

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Gas Leak Safety

Identifying a Gas Line Leak and Steps to Follow for Household Safety

Natural gas is a valuable resource and fuel for heating a home, cooking food, dying clothing, and other laundry. It can also be used as fuel to create electricity. Ostensibly, this means that gas lines are a prominent piece of infrastructure in many cities. Even if gas lines are well maintained, there is always the possibility of damage and a need for gas line repair. Natural disasters such as floods can cause ground shifting, leading to pipes breaking and leaking. Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous and should be dealt with immediately, whether residential or commercial.

The Dangers Associated With Gas Leaks

The symptoms of gas leaks can be minor to severe depending on the level of exposure and the amount of time a person is exposed. Some of the physical gas leak symptoms that can affect family members include headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and respiratory distress. In extreme cases, death can occur. Not only is a possible gas leak a danger to people, but the flammability of gas makes it a fire and explosion hazard. Property damage and physical injury can result from even a small leak. That is why if a person notices signs of a gas leak, they should report it immediately.

What Are the Signs of a Gas Leak?

While physical symptoms experienced by a person exposed to a gas leak already indicate danger, there are still subtle signs homeowners can observe to detect it early and address the issue immediately.

Hissing Sounds: If a hissing sound is hard to pinpoint and is coupled with any of the other indicators mentioned in this list, there is a good chance of a gas leak.
Methane Smell: That rotten egg odor often associated with turning on the gas is a safety measure to ensure that people can tell there is a leak. If a homeowner catches whiffs of this smell that linger, they should report it to the gas company.
Dead Grass: Spots of dead grass near a gas meter or in unusual patches near the house can indicate a gas leak.
Dead or Dying House Plants: If a homeowner is good about caring for their plants and they notice one seems to be suffering, there may be a gas leak.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Dealing with a Gas Leak

A gas leak is an emergent situation, and action should be taken as soon as it is detected. The gas company and emergency personnel would rather investigate a false alarm than deal with an unreported leak's aftermath. If a homeowner suspects a leak, they should take the following steps:

Evacuate the area immediately. Get all family members, including pets, away from the home and to a safe spot.
The homeowner should not turn on any lights or flames as they leave, as the spark can potentially ignite the leak.
Call the authorities, either 911 or an emergency line associated with the natural gas provider, so they can turn off the gas and investigate the source of the problem.
Wait until the gas is turned off and find a professional to do gas line repair.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is proud to offer 5-star service at a 3-star price. With same-day service and upfront pricing, they are the ones to call in Apple Valley, MN, and the surrounding areas. Call today for professional and courteous gas line repair services from licensed plumbers.

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How to Keep Garbage Disposals Working Correctly

Plumbing Tips to Avoid Garbage Disposal Problems

Garbage disposals are extremely convenient appliances, making post-dinner clean-up a breeze for homeowners. But, like any appliance, they require a little TLC to function properly.

Plumbers in Apple Valley, MN, want to empower homeowners to keep garbage disposals running smoothly and avoid clogs and unpleasant odors. Learn what foods can go down the disposal, why running cold water is essential, and how to limit the amount of food put down the disposal.

Avoid Putting Risky Foods Down the Garbage Disposal

To keep garbage disposals working properly, it’s all about what households put down the drain. Garbage disposals are designed to handle certain food scraps, but some things just don't belong. By following these simple do's and don'ts, homeowners can keep their disposal happy and their kitchen smelling fresh:

Foods homeowners can put down the disposal: Here are some food scraps that get the green light for disposal—soft fruit and vegetable scraps, cooked meat, and citrus fruit rinds.
Foods households shouldn’t put down the disposal: Certain foods can wreak havoc on the disposal and should be thrown in the trash – grease, fats and oils, bones, fruit pits, peels of certain fruits (like banana peels), fibrous vegetables (celery), starchy vegetables (potato peels), nutshells, and anything non-food related.

Run Cold Water to Avoid Clogs

Homeowners should always run cold water while using their garbage disposal. This hack helps flush food scraps down the drain, preventing them from getting stuck and keeping garbage disposals clean.

Cold water can also prevent the system from overheating. Food scraps can be baked onto the blades if units get too hot while running. This will cause the garbage disposal to malfunction and emit foul odors in the household.

Plumbers also recommend that homeowners put ice cubes down the disposal. This might seem odd, but it can remove food particles and sharpen the blades.

Prevent Putting Too Much Food Down the Disposal

Homeowners must limit the amount of food they put down the garbage disposal at once to prevent clogs and blockages.

To prevent this, homeowners should chop up larger pieces of food. Cutting them into smaller pieces before sending them down the disposal can make it easier for the blades to grind them up effectively.

If homeowners are looking for a natural way to freshen their disposal, grinding lemon or orange peels occasionally helps eliminate any lingering odors.

When garbage disposals clog or malfunction or start to make garbage disposal humming sounds, homeowners should first try using the garbage disposal reset button. If this doesn’t work, they should then call for repairs.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Since 2013, Apple Valley Plumbing Company has offered quality plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN, and surrounding areas. What sets them apart is that they offer upfront pricing, same-day and on-time services, and treat their clients' homes like their own. Call Apple Valley, MN's experts for garbage disposal services today!

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Tips on Avoiding Sewer Line Issues

Simple Preventative Sewer Line Maintenance

The sewer line is among the most important single pipes in a home’s plumbing system. In homes connected to the municipal waste system (as opposed to a septic system), the sewer line is responsible for delivering all wastewater away from the house. All the drains in the house lead directly to one shared line, which then transfers the household waste to a municipal treatment facility. As one can imagine, if something happens to the sewer line, it could spell disaster for the household.

Luckily, there are some simple preventative sewer line maintenance techniques every homeowner should be aware of. Read on to find out what they are!

Preventing and Catching Sewer Line Clogs

The easiest way to prevent a sewer line issue is to be mindful of what goes down the household’s drains. Generally, nothing but organic waste and toilet paper should go into the toilet. Things like makeup wipes, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and even “flushable” wipes should always go into the trash, never the toilet.

However, even households that are careful about what goes down the drains can still experience a sewer line clog, so it’s important to know the signs of one of these clogs. The easiest way to tell the difference between a clogged drain and a clogged sewer line is to test multiple drains. Since all drains lead to the sewer line, if the clog is a problem, all of them will be affected.

Generally, the drains on the first floor will show signs first. This includes toilets flushing slowly (or backing up), shower drains backing up, and sinks not draining properly. Chances are, if only one drain is affected, it’s not a sewer line problem.

Identifying Sewer Line Leaks

Sewer line leaks are a different problem that can plague a household. This means that waste leaks out of the sewer line and into the surrounding area. Since most sewer lines run under the front yard, it’s good to watch out for common signs of a leak.

If the front yard grows grass, the sewer line leak can often act as a fertilizer, causing the grass to grow quickly in one spot. Similarly, it’s often possible to smell the leaking waste when out in the yard — it’s hard to mistake the smell of a broken sewer line for anything else. Unfortunately, sewer line leaks can also attract pests to the yard or even inside the house, so it’s good to be looking out for new bugs or critters. Finally, a leaking sewer pipe can also cause strange sounds to emanate from the drains in the house.

Homeowners who experience one or more of these signs should contact a professional plumber for help diagnosing and fixing the issue.

Consider Professional Plumbing Maintenance

One surefire way to prevent a sewer line emergency is regular plumbing maintenance. This checkup helps the entire plumbing system remain in good working order and prevents emergencies like sewer line clogs or leaks.

During regular plumbing maintenance, a professional plumber will check the sewer line for clogs with a special camera. If buildups or potential clogs exist, the plumber can use a hydro jet to clear out the obstructions. This maintenance can also ward off problems like leaks, helping the plumbing system operate smoothly in the short and long term!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been proudly serving Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They offer upfront pricing and same-day service. They also provide friendly and courteous service, always treating their customers’ homes like their own. Contact them today for sewer line repair in Apple Valley, MN.

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Signs It's Time for Repiping

Knowing When to Repipe the Home's Water Lines

Given the location of the pipes in a home's plumbing system, it's no surprise that many homeowners need to learn when repiping is required. Unfortunately, leaving pipe replacement off too long can make things difficult and costly. This is because pipes that need replacing are often susceptible to leaks, breaking, and clogs. So, instead of simply having repiping done, homeowners find themselves looking at repiping and repairing any water damage or other issues resulting from old or corroded pipes. Luckily, it's possible to tell if repiping is needed without looking at the pipes. This is exactly what this article will cover, so read on to find out when repiping is needed.

Leaks and Associates Issues

There's always a reason for a leak. Sometimes, it's from the water inside freezing and expanding enough to put a hole in the pipe. When this happens, repairing the damaged portion of the pipe is enough. However, with older pipes, leaks can happen at any time and along the length of the pipe. The best thing to do for these types of pipes is to repipe them altogether.

Some signs to look out for that can indicate leaky pipes include low water pressure, strange noises from behind the walls, and water damage. Even a single leak can affect the water pressure, so this is important to keep in mind. As for strange noises, sounds like dripping or running water when the plumbing is not in use can indicate a leak. Finally, water damage to walls, floors, or ceilings are obvious signs of a leak.

Corroded Pipes

Corrosion is the most common reason for repiping. Many people don't realize that pipes can corrode for several reasons. It isn't just time that causes corrosion. Water with a high mineral content can cause pipes to corrode faster than water with a lower relative mineral content. Likewise, electrical currents — such as from an improperly grounded wire — can also cause corrosion. Abnormally high water pressure and high humidity levels can also cause corrosion.

When a pipe corrodes, it generally does so over its entire length. This can eventually cause leaks, but it can also cause other signs homeowners should look out for in their water. Corroding pipes can cause the water to taste strange and sometimes appear discolored. Even if it's not caused by corrosion, water that tastes strange or is discolored should be addressed immediately.

How Repiping Helps

Since corrosion generally affects the entire plumbing system of a home, repiping involves replacing the whole system. Not only can this help prevent future issues like leaks, clogs, and water discoloration, but it can also improve water pressure while warding off water damage and providing peace of mind.

Repipe specialists can help homeowners determine whether they need repiping or not. If they do, the plumber can help determine the best way to do the job. This is why consulting a professional plumbing company is the best option for homeowners who think they may need repiping!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been proudly serving Apple Valley, MN, for over ten years. They provide honest, upfront pricing and expert workmanship. They also offer same-day service performed by professional plumbers. Contact them today for repiping service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Three Ways To Save Money on Monthly Water Bills

Avoid Rising Water Bills

The average water bill in Apple Valley, MN, is approximately $60 per month. Saving money on water costs is not difficult, but it does take planning. A few household tips can help reduce water intake while providing enough water for appliances, showering, cooking, and more.

Reduce Outdoor Water

There’s no controlling the weather, but the household largely influences outdoor water usage. Installing an irrigation control system and reducing daytime sprinklers will save water. By spraying the lawn at night, homeowners can save money every month.

Direct sunlight evaporates moisture and can impact hydration on a long-term basis. Even plants requiring partial shade do better when the sprinkler system is used during the dark. Sprinkler systems with automatic timers are always recommended so that excess water does not become an issue.

Turning off the tap is also important for indoor water usage. Although it may seem like a small amount of water is wasted while brushing teeth, this hidden cost quickly adds up. Using less water for washing dishes, cooking, and shaving will all reduce daily water expenditure without jeopardizing healthy sanitation practices.

Water-Friendly Water Fixtures

An environmentally friendly washing machine is one way to conserve water, but there are a few less expensive devices that can help. Showerheads and faucet filters are two fixtures that do not require an electrician.

Faucet aerators are called faucet filters because they work similarly to a screen cover. Using a screen to restrict part of the water flow reduces water usage automatically whenever the tap is turned on. Depending on the brand, most water aerators are adjustable, so homeowners can choose how much water they want for each faucet.

Showerheads can be just as inexpensive as faucet aerators at just a few dollars per cover. Water-conserving showerheads are available in most hardware stores or online and do not require professional installation services.

For decades, low-flow toilets have been used in Europe to conserve water. Two buttons on top of the toilet control the amount of water needed for each flush. They provide enough water to empty the bowl while cutting excess water in half. A low-flow toilet will require professional installation but can quickly pay for itself, depending on the household size.

Leak Repair Is Crucial

Many homeowners make the mistake of delaying plumbing repairs. While this does save money upfront, leaks are much more expensive in the long run. Some of the most common leaks can be easily identified before too much water is wasted.

The drain that transfers water from the tub or shower is a frequent problem spot. The leak can be spotted aboveground, but the problem is often located below the drain. If the floor around the tub is discolored, it is a sign of long-term leakage.

Traditional water heaters also leak. Water is commonly found below the tank when the temperature dramatically shifts over a short period. A damaged water tank will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Dishwashers can leak for multiple reasons. Leak detection is especially difficult for homeowners since the problem could stem from the hose, seal, or the structure itself. In some cases, the leak is caused by drain issues and can be fixed relatively easily. Dishwasher leaks quickly become increasingly problematic and need professional repairs within the week they’re noticed.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a non-commission-based plumbing business. Their licensed and insured plumbers offer detailed advice and upfront pricing and never leave until homeowners are 100% satisfied with the job. For more information on their same-day plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN, call Apple Valley Plumbing Company today.