Apple Valley Plumbing Company Archives - Page 2 of 7

Signs That Sewer Line Repairs are Needed

How to Tell When the Sewer Needs Service

Sewer lines are common sources of headaches for any property owner. When the sewer line starts acting up, it can mean big problems and repair bills. One of the main difficulties with sewer line repairs is that it can be difficult to tell when there is a serious problem. Since the pipes are buried underground, homeowners must look for symptoms of problems instead of visible damage to determine if sewer repairs are needed. This can be more than some homeowners know how to do.

Luckily, experts are here to help. Here is a quick list of the main signs of sewer problems. By becoming familiar with this list, homeowners can quickly recognize when they are suffering from sewer problems so they can get professionals to deal with the problem quickly.

Chronic Clogs and Slow Draining

All of the drains in the home are eventually tied together in one larger single pipe called the sewer line. When the sewer line starts to suffer from damage, it can cause symptoms in some or all of the plumbing fixtures that the drains serve. Observing problems at multiple points in the system can help owners know that the problem is likely in a sewer line instead of a drain.

Two main signs that can be in more than one place when sewer repairs are needed are chronic clogs and slow draining. These two problems usually go hand in hand because they both appear simultaneously. Chronic clogs will need continued repairs either on the homeowner's or a professional's part every time they occur, so they are fairly easy to understand. Slow draining can be observed by watching toilets flush or tubs drain. If the drain is noisy and water doesn't easily flow away, sewer line repairs are needed to restore reliable service.

Sewer Gas Leaking Inside the Home

When a sewer line is in good repair, it should keep sewer gas out of the home. Most homeowners go their entire lives not knowing that sewer gas could seep into the home at any minute. This is a testament to the reliability of sewer systems. However, when this problem pops up in the home, it can be unmistakable.

When sewer lines clog, they can allow noxious odors to seep into the home. While the smell is unmistakable, finding the source can be difficult. Always quickly enlist the help of a sewer repair specialist to locate the root problem and fix it.

Evidence Out in the Yard

One of the most common problems that occurs in sewer lines is that they crack or collapse. This can allow sewage to seep out underground in the yard. The rich wastewater from the home is enough to fuel the vigorous growth of nearby plants. Often, this results in lush spots in the lawn that are as accurate as an X marking the spot.

During the summer, if wet spots or lush growth are noticed outdoors, a sewage leak is likely nearby. Sewer line replacement will likely be necessary, so homeowners should prepare themselves by finding a reliable plumber.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers free estimates and guarantees its work. Its qualified experts offer award-winning service for sewer line repairs. Call today for plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Don't Forget the Plumbing on New Year's Resolution Lists

Schedule Plumbing Maintenance for Home Health

The new year is here, and people are excited to get healthy. While everyone is focused on shedding pounds and managing stress, nasty situations could be brewing in the home. Forgetting about properly managing the home is a problem that most people have, but ignoring it year after year can have disastrous consequences.

This year, take a holistic approach to health. Maintain the home to support the healthy goals that owners set. Take advice from local plumbers and schedule professional maintenance. Doing so is a great way to prevent stress and even save money. Here is a quick guide to plumbing maintenance to help owners out in the new year.

Routine Drain Cleaning

When it comes to a home's plumbing, a source of stress and unexpected costs is drain problems. When drains clog, they can cause nasty messes and interruption of plans. Luckily, services offered by plumbers can keep problems at bay indefinitely.

Routine drain cleaning is a professional service offered by plumbers to reduce homeowners' problems and costs. Instead of paying emergency fees for clearing drain clogs, plumbers offer a flat-rate service to do preventative drain cleaning. This ensures that homeowners are never caught off guard by a nasty clog.

While doing routine drain cleaning as a DIY task may be tempting, it is generally not recommended. Chemical drain cleaners are not acceptable for some types of piping, and they can cause more serious damage. Sticking to the plan and letting professionals quickly do what they do best is best.

Professional Plumbing Maintenance

Drain cleaning is an important part of plumbing maintenance, but it isn't the only step. Plumbers can be used for their knowledge and experience to prevent other problems. Professional plumbing maintenance usually involves routine drain cleaning, but it allows plumbers to take preventative action. During professional plumbing maintenance, plumbers will:

Look for leaks
Test water pressure
Inspect visible piping
Insulate vulnerable piping
Maintain water softeners or filters

By scheduling this service, owners can save time and money in the coming year. They can also reap the health benefits of living in a home free from water problems.

Remember Water Heater Maintenance

The final piece of the professional plumbing maintenance puzzle is water heater maintenance. The water heater is probably the most important appliance in the home because it contributes to health and stress reduction by providing hot water for cleaning and bathing rituals. The water heater also uses a huge portion of the monthly energy budget, so putting a little money into it during the year makes sense to prevent problems.

Water heater maintenance is a part of any reputable plumbing maintenance program. With water heater maintenance, homeowners can rest easy knowing their water heater will use less energy, provide more hot water, and not fail in the coming year. This year, get peace of mind from plumbers. Schedule professional plumbing maintenance to reap the benefits and savings of doing things correctly.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers personal attention to every homeowner. They handle each problem with award-winning service and upfront pricing. Call today to invest in the home's plumbing in the coming year in Apple Valley, MN.

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Why to Add a Sump Pump to the Holiday Wishlist

Sump Pump Installation: The Best Gift of the Holiday Season

They say that the best gifts are those that keep on giving. While there’s certainly a case to be made for that, there’s also a case to be made for gifts that keep on protecting. That’s what sump pumps do: they protect the home from water damage, flooding, and mold. So when a homeowner gets the gift of a sump pump, they know that they don’t have to worry about the crazy weather ruining their year because the sump pump is the gift that keeps on giving.

Who Can Benefit From a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are ideal for homes that have issues with flooding or moisture. Homes in areas where flooding is common or certain seasons bring the possibility of flooding can benefit from sump pump installation. These cylindrical pumps are installed at the lowest point in the house, often in the basement or crawl space, in a sump pit. Since water flows down to the lowest point, the sump pit is where water will collect first. The sump pump senses the water and pumps it away from the house.

The benefits of sump pumps are obvious once one understands what they do. Homeowners no longer have to worry about their basement or crawl space flooding or even developing small pools of standing water that can be a breeding ground for insects and mold. Whether the homeowners are at home or away, the sump pump will work to protect the home. Insurance plans for houses in some areas require sump pump installation for certain homeowner’s insurance plans.

Different Types of Sump Pumps

When purchasing a sump pump, there are several different types. The most common types include submersible sump pumps and pedestal sump pumps. Submersible sump pumps are designed to get wet, with the entire pump sitting in the sump pit. These are generally more powerful and quieter than pedestal sump pumps. Those who regularly have flooding issues in their basement would benefit from a submersible sump pump.

Pedestal sump pumps are built so that the motor sits at the top of a pedestal, with the pump base in the pit to access the water. Since pedestal sump pumps aren’t designed to get wet, they are generally cheaper than submersible sump pumps. They’re also not as powerful and a bit louder because of their position above the sump basin. However, a pedestal sump pump could be ideal if the sump basin is narrow.

Backup or Secondary Sump Pumps

Generally, sump pumps are powered by the home’s electrical system. But since they’re designed to protect from flooding, it’s not uncommon that the home’s power goes out during a powerful storm. If this happens, the sump pump won’t work. This is where battery backup or secondary sump pumps come in. These sump pumps work on battery power, so they can kick on and pump water out of the home even if the power goes out.

It’s also good to install a secondary sump pump in case the primary sump pump fails for any other reason or cannot keep up with the waters during a massive storm. Combination sump pumps are available that have both an electric cord to draw power from the house and a battery backup in the unit, so the pump will work even if the power goes out. One thing’s for sure: one sump pump is better than none. And two are far better than one!

About Apple Valley Plumbing

Apple Valley Plumbing has been proud to serve Apple Valley, MN, for many years. Their experienced professionals provide custom solutions with upfront pricing. They also offer free estimates and back their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them today for sump pump installation in Apple Valley, MN.

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Remember Plumbers During Thanksgiving Festivities

Be Thankful for Essential Services From Plumbers

Everyone loves a hearty meal and a day off to celebrate Thanksgiving. Taking a day to slow down and be thankful is one of the great joys in life, but maybe a greater joy is being appreciated for a job well done.

This year, as the family gathers around the Thanksgiving table, take a moment to remember the trade workers who make civilized life possible with HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services. Here is a quick reminder from local plumbers about everything they do to make life easier and healthier every day.

Sewer and Water Line Service

At first glance, it may not seem like a plumber has much to do with the success of a holiday meal. However, upon closer consideration, plumbers are involved in just about every aspect of the holiday. Thanksgiving is the most popular day for travel all year, so more people are hosting guests than at any other time. Having the facilities to allow guests to use the bathroom and shower is essential to a pleasant stay. Without plumbers, hosting overnight guests would be impossible.

Once the guests have arrived, it's time to start meal preparations. Pots will need to be filled with water. Vegetables will be washed. Garbage disposals will grind up food waste to protect the drains that carry water away. All of this is possible because of plumbers.

Always hire professionals to make repairs or changes to the plumbing system to ensure the success of any holiday gathering. Owners may deal with holiday faux pas without professional repairs like clogged toilets or inadequate water pressure.

Gas Line Repair and Leak Detection

Gas lines are essential for holiday gatherings for two reasons. First, gas lines carry the fuel that will cook food. Most stoves in the nation are fueled by natural gas that runs through a home through piping installed by plumbers. This year, the oven and multiple burners on the stove will safely light, thanks to a plumber.

The second way that gas lines make the holidays pleasant is by providing heat. Furnaces that burn natural gas heat most homes, adding a cozy ambiance to the holidays. Always hire professionals to work on gas lines to keep gas lines safe. If problems are suspected, call gas leak repair specialists immediately to prevent a holiday emergency.

Water Heater Repairs and Service

Finally, cleaning up from a holiday meal and relaxing to sleep off the food coma is made possible by local plumbers. Without ready access to hot water, dishes would stay dirty, and cleanup from the meal would be a major hassle. A reliable water heater can easily clean dishes in the dishwasher while linens are tossed in the washing machines.

To ensure the water heater is ready for the extra load placed during the holidays, allow local plumbers to perform water heater maintenance. This service ensures problems won't arise, and ample hot water will be available for all cleaning rituals.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers award-winning service in the local community. They repair and install gas lines as well as perform routine drain cleaning. Call today for free estimates on service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Backed Up Sewer Line? Here's How To Deal With It

Understanding a Backed-Up Sewer Line

A home’s sewer line is important in keeping a home running safely and smoothly since sewer lines are responsible for moving sewage and wastewater away from the home and into treatment plants or disposal facilities. When a sewer line backs up or reverses the sewage flows back up the drains at home, it becomes a health and safety hazard that needs to be resolved immediately.

What Causes a Sewer Line To Back Up?

A sewer line backup is a common problem many homeowners face, and there are plenty of reasons why this happens quite often. Some of the most typical causes of a sewer line backup include:

Tree root invasion - tree roots and pipes can sometimes get too close to each other for comfort, and in some cases, the two collide, causing sewer lines to be blocked by invasive tree roots
Pipes destroyed by shifting soil - when soil settles, shifts, or moves around, pipes also lose their footing and can end up broken or destroyed, causing the sewer line to back up
Clogged pipelines - blockages in the pipelines can be caused by a buildup of debris
Old and worn down pipes - pipes age, wear down, and eventually break, which can cause a sewer line backup

Different Methods for Repair

Just as there are many different reasons for the occurrence of a backed-up sewer line, there exists an equally numerous method for sewer line repair, which hinges on each particular cause.

A clogged pipe, for example, could be dealt with by hydrojet drain cleaning, which employs a steady stream of highly pressurized water to dislodge stubborn and persistent clogs. On the other hand, a broken or damaged sewer line caused by invasive tree roots may require a different sewer pipe repair approach. In this instance, it would be advisable to conduct trenchless sewer repair, in which an epoxy pipe lining could be inserted into the broken pipe, inflated, and then cured to seal it into the inside of the old pipe, making it practically new again.

Trenchless pipe lining can also be used to repair pipes destroyed by shifting soil or replace old and worn down pipes since this kind of pipe lining installation is minimally invasive and can be done with the guidance of a sewer camera inspection.

Despite the difference in approach, all methods benefit from sewer video inspection, which allows plumbers to get a good view internally of the pipes to diagnose and detect particular problems and develop appropriate solutions.

Tips for Preventing Future Backups

Most sewer line problems can be prevented by keeping pipes clean and free from debris that could accumulate and build up a clog internally. This means practicing good waste disposal habits that prevent certain things from entering the pipes and wreaking havoc. Oil and grease are a pipe’s number one enemy; next are food scraps, hair, and a slew of non-biodegradable items that get flushed down the toilet, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and copious amounts of toilet paper. Keeping these things from getting into the sewer line is already half the battle won.

Going hand-in-hand with proper waste disposal is engaging in regular preventative plumbing maintenance. Calling in your trusted, handy plumber to inspect and repair the sewer lines and pipes regularly and conduct annual drain cleaning is a surefire way to keep the sewer lines from backing up and causing a world of inconvenience.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is the trusted plumbing solutions provider in Apple Valley, MN. They offer a wide range of plumbing services, from water heaters to drain cleaning and kitchen plumbing to sewer line repairs. Their award-winning reputation is highlighted by upfront pricing and stellar same-day service provided by courteous and caring professionals. Call them today for plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Burst Pipe Causes and Prevention for Homeowners

Helpful Hints to Help Homeowners Prevent Burst Pipes

One of the worst things a homeowner can face is extensive water damage from a burst pipe. Not only does it make a mess, but it's the kind of mess that often takes thousands of dollars to fix. Fortunately, most burst pipes are highly preventable. But to prevent a burst pipe, homeowners should understand their common causes.

Catastrophic Clogs

When most people think of burst pipes, they think of the pipes that bring water into the home or transfer it around the house. But these aren't the only pipes that can burst. Drain pipes from sinks, toilets, and showers can also burst under certain circumstances. And a clog is usually the culprit.

While it's not as common as the other two causes in this article, a clogged drain pipe can cause the pipe to burst by building up too much pressure. Homeowners who experience slow drains shouldn't ignore the problem or put it off for too long. And if one of the drains is fully stopped up, it's time to take action with thorough and professional hydro jet drain cleaning. If multiple drains are clogged in the home, it could be an issue with the sewer line, which needs to be addressed immediately.

Frustrating Freezes

The most common cause of burst pipes is freezing temperatures. When water freezes, it expands. And if it expands inside a pipe, it could cause damage. This may be a severe burst or even just a pinhole leak. While it may seem like there's not much homeowners can do to keep the temperature from dropping below freezing, they can do things to keep those temperatures from bursting a pipe.

The pipes most susceptible to freezing are more exposed to the elements. These include hose bibs, sprinkler pipes, and pipes that run under the house or anywhere not within insulated walls. But even these pipes can be insulated to help protect them from freezing temperatures. Allowing faucets to drip can keep the water flowing enough to prevent it from freezing, and ensuring that the home's heater stays at or above 68 degrees can help prevent interior pipes from freezing while the homeowners are away.

Dastardly Decay and Corrosion

Since homeowners don't often see the pipes with their eyes, it can be hard to tell the plumbing system's health. Homeowners should prevent decay and corrosion that can cause burst pipes. The best way to do this is by avoiding putting things that can damage the pipes down the drain.

The number one culprit for this kind of corrosion is chemical drain cleaners. These chemicals are so caustic they can damage the pipes frequently. Generally, keeping the pipes clean is another way to keep them healthy. Hydrojet drain cleaning is the best way to thoroughly clean the pipes without damaging them.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been serving Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide same-day service from courteous and professional technicians. They also offer no-surprise, upfront pricing. Contact them today for drain cleaning in Apple Valley, MN.

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Discover Tankless Water Heater Basics

A Quick Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming popular due to their benefits over storage tank water heaters. Tankless systems spring into action whenever hot water arises, providing a continuous supply of heated water. Since tankless water heaters don’t require a large storage tank, they provide space-saving capabilities, making them ideal for smaller homes. But are they right for every household? Read on to find out all about tankless water heaters.

What Sets Tankless Water Heaters Apart?

The principal difference between tankless water heaters and their traditional counterparts is the absence of a large holding tank. Instead, they use burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger, delivering it around the house without storing it in a tank. This on-demand heating mechanism ensures a constant hot water supply, eliminating the need to wait for a storage tank to fill up.

Another distinctive trait of tankless water heaters is their compact size, as they do not require space for water storage. This can benefit homeowners seeking to save space, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

The Process Behind Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters function based on a straightforward yet effective process. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the heater. A flow sensor activates the burner, which heats either a gas burner or an electric element, heating the water. The hot water then travels along the piping system to the desired location. Once the hot water tap is closed, the unit shuts down, thus conserving energy.

Gas-heated tankless water heaters tend to heat water faster than their electric counterparts, which could be ideal for larger households. That said, most instant water heaters can provide between 2 and 5 gallons of hot water per minute. And while these water heaters still need regular care (like storage water heaters), tankless water heater maintenance is generally quicker and easier than traditional water heaters.

The Amazing Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters offer a myriad of benefits. They are known for their energy efficiency, as they heat water only when needed, significantly reducing the energy loss associated with traditional water heaters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than tank-style heaters for households that use 40 gallons of water or less daily.

These heaters also provide a continuous hot water supply, ensuring no shortage during peak use times. They have a longer lifespan, with many units lasting over 20 years—almost double that of traditional models. The compact size of these heaters is great for space-limited homes. Additionally, they reduce the risk of water damage due to tank leaks or ruptures, a concern with traditional water heaters.

Homeowners considering water heater replacement should consult a professional plumber to see if an on-demand water heater is right for their needs.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The friendly professionals at Apple Valley Plumbing Company have served Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide personalized service from start to finish. They also offer free estimates and back all their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Why Is Regular Plumbing Maintenance Important, Exactly?

3 Key Benefits of Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Like any other part of the home, the plumbing system needs a little care and maintenance to keep it in good shape over the long haul. Part of this means doing the little things like keeping the sinks, showers, and tubs clean, periodically pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drains to wash away minor debris, and putting ice cubes and citrus rinds down the garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.

But these DIY tasks can only go so far, which is why hiring a professional to perform plumbing maintenance services is also necessary. Best done once a year, professional plumbing maintenance involves various tasks, from inspecting the system for leaks and corrosion to replacing worn components to servicing the water heater – to name just a few. This article will discuss the benefits of this valuable service and why every homeowner should consider asking their plumber about it!

Helps the System Run Smoothly

The first benefit of plumbing maintenance is that it helps keep every aspect of the system running the way it should, from the faucets, toilets, and drains to appliances like the water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. A professional can catch plumbing problems early on before developing into a full-blown emergency, like a burst pipe or clogged toilet.

Not only does this mean that an unexpected plumbing disaster won’t inconvenience homeowners, but their home will ultimately be safer from water damage, mold growth, sewage backups, and gas line leaks resulting from a poorly maintained plumbing system.

Helps the Plumbing System Last Longer

Keeping the plumbing system in good shape through routine maintenance also has the added effect of prolonging the life of the plumbing system and its various components. For example, checking that the home’s water pressure is at an appropriate level and ensuring the home has functional water hammer arrestors (small devices that absorb the shock of sudden pressure changes) will help protect the home’s fixtures from damage due to pressure shockwaves.

Most plumbing companies also include general water heater service as part of their plumbing maintenance checklist, which will help extend the water heater's lifespan so homeowners won’t have to shell out for an early replacement. These are just a couple of examples of how regular maintenance can keep a plumbing system going strong for longer!

Saves Money In the Long Run

Naturally, when the home’s plumbing fixtures and appliances last longer and work better, homeowners will save loads of money on plumbing repairs and premature replacements. The relatively low cost of annual plumbing system maintenance is well worth it!

But the money saved on repairs and replacement parts is only part of the equation. Water heater maintenance can also help keep the water heater performing at peak efficiency, which will help lower energy bills. More importantly, regular professional maintenance will enable homeowners to catch and fix hidden water leaks, which can waste thousands of gallons of water yearly. This alone can have a profound effect on the water bills.

When considering all of these benefits, it’s easy to see why more and more homeowners are adding plumbing maintenance to their yearly home improvement checklists!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Since its founding in 2013, Apple Valley Plumbing Company has quickly become one of the most trusted and highly-rated plumbers in Apple Valley. As an award-winning local business, they have a reputation for outstanding customer service, unbeatable workmanship, and fast turnarounds. They offer up-front pricing, free estimates, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so there’s no one better to call for plumbing maintenance in Apple Valley, MN!

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Kiss Low Water Pressure in the Shower Goodbye

Causes of Poor Water Pressure in the Shower

One of the best things to do after a long hard day is to hop in the shower to relax. In the best of circumstances, warm, high-pressure water is the easiest way to wash away the grime and stress. The shower can be an irritating reminder of necessary repairs for those dealing with water pressure issues.

Get rid of low water pressure in the shower for good. Take this advice from local plumbing experts and determine the root cause of water pressure issues. Here are the three most common culprits regarding low shower water pressure.

Water Heater Issues

To start figuring out the cause of low water pressure, start by testing the pressure of the hot and cold water separately. Turn the cold water on and observe the flow, then cut off the cold and observe the hot water at full pressure. In most homes, the hot water will have slightly less pressure due to how hot water flows through pipes, but the difference should be barely noticeable. If a dramatic pressure drop is observed, look for root causes like:

Neglected water heater maintenance that allows the scale to build up in the water tank
Partially closed valves, especially gate valves
Dirty gas burner
Problems with the expansion tank
Leaks

The homeowner can easily diagnose these problems, but it is always recommended that professionals be called to make repairs and spot any problems that owners can overlook.

Plumbing Leaks

The plumbing in a home is a closed-loop system. That means the pressure throughout the system should be consistent, and water should only be able to leave the system through a designated plumbing fixture. When water is allowed to escape through leaks, the pressure in the whole system will drop. If the shower is at the end of a long run of pipes with numerous leaks, the root cause of low water pressure is probably attributed to a loss of pressure from the leaks.

If leaks are causing a drop in water pressure, the problem has likely worsened slowly. In most cases, leaks start small and then get bigger. In rare cases, a leak can quickly occur that causes a drop in water pressure. Either way, yearly plumbing inspections can quickly locate leaks causing water pressure issues.

Restricted Flow in the Shower Head

Every home has to deal with dissolved minerals in the water. In some cases, these minerals are in such a large proportion of the water that they coalesce on plumbing fixtures. If the unsightly white crust is evident on faucets and shower heads, then the cause of low water pressure is certainly mineral scale.

Dealing with mineral scales is easy and cheap with a water softener. Water softeners remove unwanted minerals so they can’t foul up pipes and plumbing fixtures. Installing water softeners can restore water pressure throughout the home within months of installing one. If hard water is a problem, deal with it soon by choosing a water softener.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company protects water quality and pressure in local homes. With same-day service, they can rapidly respond to emergencies. Call today for upfront pricing on plumbing repairs and installations in Apple Valley, MN.

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Be on the Lookout for Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

A Complete Guide to Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

In the normal operations of a home, plenty of things can go wrong. Problems often cluster around the seasons when changes in the weather adversely affect the systems in the home. The plumbing is a great example of this. While winter tends to cause more burst pipes, the spring tends to reveal outdoor plumbing problems.

Outdoor plumbing encompasses all elements in a plumbing system outside the home. This includes things like water lines, sewer pipes, and landscape drains. With the change in seasons, these all can struggle, especially with clogs. Here is a complete guide to dealing with outdoor plumbing clogs so spring is easier on homeowners.

Signs of Underground Plumbing Blockages

The first step in any solution is recognizing the problem; outdoor plumbing problems are no different. Recognizing the signs of outdoor plumbing blockages is key to minimizing the disruption when outdoor plumbing problems arise. Some of the signs that outdoor plumbing problems are present are:

Wet spots on the lawn near water and sewer lines
Low water pressure in the home
Areas of dense growth near water and sewer lines
Insect problems that are much worse than last year
Foul odors
Water or sewage backing up into the home

If any of these signs are present, then it is likely that a problem exists. Recognizing the problem, it is time to call for a plumber. With the right plumber, repairs can be made quickly and effectively.

What Causes Outdoor Plumbing Clogs?

Outdoor plumbing clogs occur for the same reasons that clogs occur in any other plumbing, namely that something obstructs the pipe. The source of the obstruction can be internal or external.

When outdoor plumbing is suffering from a clog caused by internal reasons, debris has settled into the pipe and formed a clog. In the case of sewer lines, the source of the clog can be hair, waste, or grease. In the case of landscape drains, the source of the clog is likely leaves or sediment that has settled into pipes over the winter.

If the outdoor plumbing is suffering from a clog from an external source, the cause is almost always tree roots. Springtime is a season of rapid growth for vegetation. During the spring, trees send out new roots for new sources of nutrition. The sewer line may be just what they’re looking for in homes with older plumbing.

Clearing Tough Clogs from Outdoor Plumbing

Clearing tough clogs is an easy job for professional plumbers. Plumbers have several tools that they use to address issues just like these. In many cases, the first option is drain snaking. This procedure is great for clearing out nasty tangles of tree roots.

If drain snaking isn’t determined to be the best option, plumbers also use devices called hydro jets. Hydro jets are powerful machines that blast grime off the inside of outdoor plumbing lines. This leaves the line completely clean, and restores lost draining power.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is the local choice for dealing with outdoor plumbing drain clogs. They can determine the cause of most problems with a free phone consultation and offer solutions with upfront pricing. Call today for no-mess plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.