Apple Valley Plumbing Company Archives - Page 3 of 7

Get Eco-Friendly Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures in Honor of Earth Day

Make the Home More Eco-Friendly This Earth Day

In the spring, nature shakes off the dormancy of winter and starts to green back up. With trees and grass returning to life in a splash of green, now is the perfect time to think about greening up the home. With Earth Day right around the corner, there has never been a better time to consider upgrades around the home to reduce the carbon footprint, save energy and reduce water usage.

The plumbing in the home is a great opportunity to introduce some eco-friendly practices. By saving water and reducing energy usage, homeowners can go green, just like all the trees on the block. Here are some of the best recommendations from local experts to help homeowners have a more eco-friendly home.

Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

The first opportunity for eco-friendliness in plumbing is water conservation. Water takes a huge amount of energy and infrastructure to purify and transport it, so by reducing water usage, homeowners can have a big impact on these systems. The first thing that homeowners should do to save water is to schedule a plumbing inspection to take care of leaks. For a longer-term plan, installing water-saving fixtures is the best idea.

For an eco-friendly home that sips water instead of guzzles it, try installing plumbing fixtures like:

Water-saving toilets that can reduce water wasted on flushes by around 20%
Low-flow showerheads reduce water usage during bathing by another 20%
Touchless faucets save water by reducing the likelihood that someone will leave the faucet running

Energy Efficiency Options for Appliances

When it comes to making the plumbing in the home more eco-friendly, most people tend to think only about how plumbing fixtures can save water. While water conservation is a main goal in an eco-friendly household, several appliances use water as well as power, making them great opportunities for energy and water savings.

To maximize savings on water bills while minimizing wasted water and power, look into upgrading to:

Energy-Saving Water Heaters: These devices use far less natural gas or electricity to provide hot water to the family.
Energy-Efficient Washing Machines: New washing machines are high-efficiency, using less power, water, and soap to pollute waterways.
Water-Saving Dishwashers: The most efficient dishwashers use as little as four gallons of water to clean dishes. They are also energy-saving to reduce power usage.

Can Repiping a Home Help?

The final opportunity that plumbing presents to homeowners that want to have an eco-friendly home is the plumbing infrastructure itself. Things like pipe material, diameter, and plumbing layouts have important implications for eco-friendliness.

In older homes, metal piping can leak or seep out water, raising bills and wasting freshwater resources. By upgrading the piping to modern plastics like PEX, homeowners can reduce wastage and the possibility of a burst pipe. When repiping a home, plumbers can also address problems like pipe diameter that can cause restrictions in water flow. This reduces water pressure to the home without a drop in volume supplied to fixtures.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is the local expert for water conservation in homes. Their award-winning service and free estimates can help everyone achieve their environmental goals. Call today for a courteous plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.

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How Women's Activities Have Shaped Plumbing History

Women’s Impact on the Plumbing Business

Men have historically dominated trade work, and this is especially true for plumbing. All trade work, particularly plumbing, requires years of training, long hours, and harsh conditions. Often trade workers are expected to spend full days or even longer away from home. As a result of these conditions, women are underrepresented in plumbing.

But just because most plumbers aren’t women doesn’t mean that women haven’t profoundly impacted how the plumbing industry has developed over the last few decades. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are a few facts about the contributions of women to this important trade.

Women in Today’s Plumbing Industry

As previously mentioned, women are a tiny minority in the plumbing industry. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that only 5% of the plumbing workforce is female. This includes women in leadership and support positions, so the number of licensed plumbers doing service calls every day is even smaller.

While males have dominated the plumbing industry in the past, there is no reason why this should be the case in the future. Historically, plumbing was done with heavy metal pipes in harsh conditions, making men more suited for the work. However, modern plumbing materials are lightweight plastics joined with special tools. This removes much labor, leading to exhaustion and burnout, even among men. Additionally, labor laws have drastically improved work conditions and hours.

Every plumber starts their journey as an apprentice. Apprentices are the lowest-paid plumbers, but they still start at about the average pay for workers across industries. After paid training, they can take tests to raise their skill level and command higher pay. As master plumbers, plumbers can start businesses and determine their future. What part of that wouldn’t appeal to women?!

How the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers Shaped Plumbing

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers was originally conceived as a committee to entertain plumbing union members’ wives as they attended conventions. Initially, it was chaired by men who planned activities like motorcar rides around Chicago to keep women busy. In the early 1900s, women took over leadership and changed plumbing policy nationwide.

At that time, cars were becoming more common, which meant that gas stations had to be strategically placed to link distant places. The committee floated the idea of a public restroom in every gas station and partnered with companies like Texaco to make it happen. With their influence, public restrooms would be more ubiquitous now.

The First Female Master Plumber

Lillian Ann Baumbach shattered the glass ceiling for female plumbers in 1951. Baumbach got her to start working for her father’s plumbing company and eventually sat for the master plumbing test. She passed on the first try and gained national notoriety.

Nicknamed the “Pretty Plumber,” she caught the eye of servicemen in Korea, who made her their company mascot. After serving as a master plumber at her father’s company, she eventually settled down and got married. After having children, she continued working for her father’s company, albeit in the office instead of the field.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides personal attention and free phone consultation to all of their potential customers. Their upfront pricing gives homeowners peace of mind knowing there won’t be any surprises once work is finished. Call today for plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN homes.

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Keep Clogged Toilets From Ruining the Valentine's Day Magic

What Causes Chronic Toilet Clogs?

It’s Valentine’s Day, and everyone is getting ready for a night on the town. The anticipation is palpable as everyone gets ready for a big date, but what is the one thing that can ruin pre-date preparations? A clogged toilet that won’t flush or, worse yet, spills sewage out onto the floor.

A clogged toilet is a pain any time of year, but on one night when it has to be reliable, it can be a real letdown. Here is a quick guide from the experts about why toilets clog and how to prevent this disaster from ruining a meaningful and fun evening.

Pay Attention to What Gets Flushed

During hygiene rituals leading up to the big night, it can be tempting to discard things in the toilet for quick convenience. Cotton swabs and disposable towels may be quickly tossed in the toilet, but the consequences of doing so can be detrimental to evening plans.

The most common cause of clogged toilets is unflushable items being flushed down the commode. Toilets are designed to break up fragile items like waste and toilet paper so that they flow easily through the drain of a toilet and subsequent sewer lines. When other items that weren’t intended to be flushed are tossed in the toilet they can interfere with the normal flushing action of the toilet. Unflushable items that don’t break up during the flushing process are:

Paper towels
Diapers
Hygiene products
Wipes

Keeping these items out of the drain will prevent most chronically clogged toilets. Always err on the side of caution and even avoid flushing products deemed “flushable.” discard these items in the trash and only flush toilet paper.

Restrict Toilet Paper Usage

Paying attention to what goes into the toilet can prevent many clogged toilets, but unfortunately, even zealous paper-only flushers can damage their toilets and sewer lines. Toilet paper is also a common contributor to clogged toilets. As mentioned earlier, toilets break up toilet paper as the stool flushes. However, this is contingent on having enough turbulence in the basin to break up toilet paper. If too much toilet paper is flushed at once, the toilet can’t break up the mass, and a nasty clog will result.

Instead, try using less toilet paper or attempting to flush a smaller volume down the drain in one flush. This can be accomplished by buying toilet paper that isn’t as sturdy or by flushing multiple times during a session as toilet paper accumulates.

Prevent Problems Like Sewer Line Clogs

A clogged toilet is only as reliable as the sewer line it is connected to. The truth is many clogged toilets are misdiagnosed. The problem lies further down the system in the sewer lines. Paying attention to the first two suggestions in the article can help keep sewer lines clean, but professional assistance can ensure that clogged toilets aren’t a problem. Routine drain and sewer line cleaning by a professional can keep sewer lines clean so they don’t cause problems like clogged toilets.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company wants to help celebrate love on Valentine’s Day. With same-day service and a no-mess guarantee, everyone can be certain they won’t have to deal with a clogged toilet on the big night. Call today for a free estimate and award-winning toilet service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Three Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid in the New Year

Plumbing Misconceptions That Homeowners Should Know About

There are endless DIY plumbing fixes online. There are so many that some people think: “Why hire a plumber? I can make repairs myself.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many misconceptions about plumbing systems come with these videos, some of which can lead to costly mistakes.

Here, one can learn what they should avoid when evaluating, using, or seeking repairs for their plumbing system. They should think twice about the following:

Using Drain Cleaners to Get Rid of Clogs

On their labels, drain cleaners promise the world. They claim to rid plumbing systems of rust, corrosion, hair, and food residue. Many homeowners swear by these products. They say: “I’ve been using over-the-counter drain cleaners for years, and I’ve ever had any problems.”

The issue is that these products only serve as a band-aid for major problems. Drain cleaners don’t stop food residue from getting down the drain. It doesn’t prevent problems from happening again, either. If anything, drain cleaners can literally “eat away” at a drain pipe, making it more prone to leaks, being frozen, and other concerns.

When a professional assesses a clog, they’ll likely employ a drain snake or another specialized tool to remove the obstruction. They can also advise homeowners on other plumbing services that could benefit their situation.

Failing to Schedule Water Heater Maintenance Visits

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that all homeowners should annually consult with a plumbing specialist. These visits give a plumber the opportunity to:

Inspect one’s plumbing system
Recommend appliance replacement as necessary
Explain what measures could avoid future problems
Patch any leaks
Address any mold or mildew growth
Insulate pipes against the winter cold

While homeowners can employ many methods to keep their water heaters healthy, some things are best left in the hands of trained professionals. Annually working with a plumbing expert could mean the difference between a smoothly-run plumbing system and the inconvenience of unexpected problems.

Undertaking DIY Repairs

Right now, YouTube has dozens of videos online, all claiming one thing: easy plumbing solutions that don’t need a professional training. Yet, as noted, some things are best left to the experts. For instance, most people don’t have the expertise to handle water heater repairs. They don’t have the insight to recognize certain problems, either.

By undertaking DIY repairs, a layman risks:

Causing additional damage
Making repairs that don’t comply with county regulations
Spending more time than necessary on a seemingly minor issue
Incorrectly using specialized tools
Wasting money on purchasing equipment they’ll use once

Amateur plumbers also risk endangering their health by undertaking certain repairs. Some of these risks include:

Breathing in mold and mildew spores
Causing a carbon monoxide leak
Injuring their hands, fingers, and arms
Suffering traumatic brain injuries from falls
Getting stuck in-between crawl spaces

If homeowners question their ability to take on complicated repairs, they should consult a plumbing repair company.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Greg Kranz, the founder of Apple Valley Plumbing Company, knows firsthand what it’s like to deal with an unexpected plumbing problem. That’s why his family-owned and operated business offers around-the-clock plumbing help to those living in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Today, customers can take advantage of discounted services and same-day plumbing services. For more information on what plumbing mistakes homeowners can avoid in the new year, they can call today to learn more.

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Easy Ways to Find the Best Plumber During the Holiday Season

Three Characteristics of Reliable Plumbing Companies

The holidays tend to get chaotic even when things are running smoothly. With so many activities to cram into a short season it can seem like everyone is running around with their hair on fire. To make matters more stressful, just because everyone is so busy doesn’t mean that problems take the season off. Plumbing problems can crop up and add copious amounts of stress to an already busy season.

To take some of the trouble out of the season, homeowners should find a reliable plumber that can be on call to help them in their time of need. Whether homeowners have the luxury of finding a plumber before a problem arises or they are looking frantically for immediate help, there are certain hallmarks of reliable plumbers that can ensure homeowners get the best service. Here are some of the characteristics of trustworthy local plumbers.

Positive Reviews on Internet Platforms

The internet has made shopping around for a plumber so much easier. Within seconds, homeowners can have the contact information of numerous plumbers ready to assist. But how does one go about separating reliable plumbers from unreliable ones?

Along with contact information, numerous platforms host reviews of local plumbers. Homeowners searching for a plumber should check Google, Facebook, and the company’s website for applicable reviews before they dial the number.

By reading reviews, potential customers can get an idea of how professional the company will be. Good and bad reviews can provide valuable information in searching for a plumbing. Be sure to look out for keywords in reviews like “prompt” and “fair.”

Proudly Displayed License and Insurance

Plumbing is an important service that is closely regulated. The plumbing industry is closely regulated because their work has to be done correctly to be safe and effective. Plumbers that are reliable and worth hiring will proudly display their credentials to prove they are licensed and insured for their trade.

Licensed and insured plumbers are not only the gold standard of the industry, but they are also the only plumbing companies that are legally allowed to do plumbing work. Before a plumber can solicit jobs, they have to prove they have done the necessary training to be competent. This makes them eligible to be licensed. Once a license is obtained, plumbers apply for special insurance covering them and their important work.

Offers Maintenance

Plumbing in a home gets used every single day. Whether that means taking a hot shower or doing several loads of laundry, plumbing needs maintenance to ensure that it stays reliable over the years.

Some of the most common practices offered by reliable plumbing companies are:

Water heater maintenance
Check water pressure
Fix minor leaks
Routine drain cleaning
Pipe inspection

By partnering with a reliable plumbing company during the winter, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of their relationship year-round with reduced plumbing problems and lower costs.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a local plumber with award-winning service. Their technicians are licensed and insured to protect their workers and their customers. Call today for plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN.

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Winter Can Be Harsh, so Make Sure Pipes Are Protected!

Winterizing Pipes Is Essential for Peace of Mind!

Winter is the time to think about snow, heavy coats, and hockey, not worrying about pipes freezing. Now, before it gets too cold, is the time to ensure a home’s pipes are protected against the well-below-freezing temperatures that come with the Minnesota winter. This article will cover why homeowners should avoid frozen pipes and how to protect against such an occurrence.

What’s So Dangerous About Frozen Pipes?

It may seem more inconvenient than a serious issue, but frozen pipes can cause more than a faucet that won’t turn on. Here are a few examples of the effects of pipes freezing:

Burst Pipes: Water is one of the few matter types that expands when it freezes. This is the primary reason for the danger of frozen pipes. The expanding ice exerts pressure on the pipes from the inside, causing them to burst outward and require repair.
Leaks: The expanding ice doesn’t always end in a spectacular burst pipe. It may merely lead to a crack or weakening of pipe connections that may lead to drips or water leaks.
Structural Damage: The water that leaks from the pipes can be absorbed in the wall supports and drywall, causing damage to the home’s structure.
Mold/Mildew: The moisture can also lead to mold and/or mildew growth that can cause structural damage and air quality problems.

Since homeowners cannot control the weather, they must control the temperature of their pipes in other ways, such as pipe insulation.

The Protection of Pipe Insulation

Covering pipes with foam insulation is the most reliable method for protecting pipes. This insulation comes in different diameters for different-sized pipes with a length-wise opening, so one can easily install it around the pipes without any disconnect necessary. One can use tape to hold the insulation in place. This pipe covering helps regulate the temperature of the pipes and has many more benefits than just preventing freezing. Insulating pipes can save homeowners money by helping the water maintain its temperature and reducing energy use for heating. This also means that appliances are getting higher-temperature water for washing and rinsing, which is better for cleaning.

Extra Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

Though insulation is the most thorough and reliable way to prevent freezing or burst pipes, there are other ways to help keep water flowing through a home’s plumbing. There are even heated tape rolls that one can wrap around pipes and the above-mentioned insulation. Insulated pipes should not freeze even in extremely cold temperatures, but on especially cold days and nights, these extra tips may give homeowners more peace of mind.

Remove garden hoses
Cover hose bibs
Open cabinet doors
Leave faucets dripping
Use a fan or space heater near the pipes

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The family-owned and operated Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers a wide range of services to Apple Valley, MN and the surrounding areas. Call today for burst pipe repair with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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Don't Get Spooked By Halloween Plumbing Emergencies

Stop Scary Plumbing Emergencies

Halloween can be fun for kids who love being scared with stories of ghosts and ghouls. On the other hand, their parents are probably more easily scared of stories of expensive problems around the house. Some of the scarier stories that homeowners can share this time of year are any number of plumbing problems that can happen.

This year, instead of being afraid, take some action and prevent the problems before they start. Here are a few of the most common plumbing problems that can plague a house and some ways to keep them from getting out of hand.

Keep Drains Clear With Drain Cleaning

One of the scary stories that homeowners tell is about clogged drains. Clogged drains are a common problem regardless of the season, and they can lead to nasty messes that need professional solutions to remedy.

One of the best ways to keep drains from clogging is periodic drain cleaning. Drain cleaning can be done by homeowners or with more advanced techniques of professional drain cleaners. Some recommendations for homeowners to keep their drains clean are:

Keep kitchen grease and food scraps out of the drain
Flush sinks with hot water periodically to flush debris out of drain piping
Use vinegar and baking soda to bubble out clogs
Install hair traps to keep clogs from forming

Professional drain cleaning services always recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners. These dangerous chemicals can damage piping leading to a need for massive repairs.

Stop Clogged Toilets Before They Start

Another common spooky story among homeowners is one of clogged toilets. Clogged toilets prevent flushing and can cause nasty backups onto the bathroom floor. Luckily, in many cases, one can avoid clogged toilets. A few ways to avoid toilet clogs are:

Never flush too much toilet paper
If too much toilet paper is being used, flush an extra time to prevent a clog
Don’t flush wipes or hygiene products
Provide a waste basket for unflushable materials

If clogged toilets are a problem, one should always keep plungers on hand. Minor clogs are no big deal as long as a homeowner knows how to plunge a stool. When clogs become too frequent, there may be more serious causes, and professionals should be called in immediately to investigate.

Remember Water Heater Maintenance

The water heater is one of the most prized appliances in a home. Nothing is better than unwinding after a long hard day with a hot shower. Conversely, nothing is more horrific than turning on the shower only to be met with icy cold water.

To prevent this horror story from becoming a reality, homeowners should remember water heater maintenance. Water heater maintenance is a professional service that ensures the water heater stays healthy and is ready to provide another year’s worth of service. During water heater maintenance, technicians will:

Drain and flush the tank
Check the burner or heating element
Look for leaks
Inspect anode rod
Verify delivery of hot water

Homeowners will notice a drop in utility bills and longer-lasting water heaters if maintenance is done yearly.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is the local choice for custom plumbing solutions from experienced professionals. They provide award-winning services for drain cleaning and water heater maintenance. Call today to get lasting results from plumbing and appliances in Apple Valley, MN.

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3 Ways To Prevent Pipe Corrosion

What Exactly Is Corrosion?

Corrosion is the enemy of plumbing systems everywhere. In essence, corrosion is the deterioration of metal due to chemical reactions between the metal surface and the surrounding environment. When it comes to water pipe corrosion, there are several possible causes, including excessive water velocity, mineral deposits, and even microbiological contamination of the water.

Corrosion can cause pipes to leak or damage fixtures and appliances, so homeowners should do everything they can to prevent it. Fortunately, they have a few different methods to do so. Read on to learn about the three most common ways to prevent pipe corrosion!

Protective Coatings and Linings

One of the most effective ways to prevent pipe corrosion is to coat the pipe with some sort of protectant that forms a barrier between the pipe metal and the environment. Pipe coating is commonly used for underground pipes to protect against abrasions and corrosive materials in the soil. A few common types of pipe coatings include zinc, polyethylene, polypropylene, and fusion-bonded epoxy.

While coatings protect the outside of the pipe, it may also be necessary to add protection to the inside. This is done using a protective lining such as liquid epoxy, Teflon, or cement mortar. A pipe lining is commonly used to repair corroded or damaged sewer lines without digging a trench and removing the old pipe. Similarly, one can use a special liquid epoxy in water supply pipes to seal the pipe interior against corrosive materials in the water.

Water Softeners

While coatings and protective linings can be great for protecting the pipes, it may also be necessary to address any corrosive materials in the water supply directly. That’s where a water softener comes in. Water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove dissolved minerals from a home’s water supply as it enters the home.

Minerals like calcium and magnesium can form hard deposits inside the pipes and cause corrosion, so removing these substances from the water can go a long way toward corrosion prevention. A water softener can also help extend the lifespan of the pipes as well as fixtures and appliances by preventing mineral scale buildup.

General Plumbing Maintenance

Another way to protect the home’s plumbing from corrosion is with professional plumbing maintenance. A pro plumber can thoroughly inspect the home’s plumbing system for signs of corrosion, identify the underlying cause, and address the issue before it gets worse - whether using one of the above solutions or something else entirely.

For instance, excessive water pressure may be the problem, or an overly high temperature setting on the water heater. An improperly installed pipe fitting or joint may be causing water turbulence that has gradually scoured the pipe and exposed it to corrosion (a phenomenon known as erosion corrosion). A qualified professional can spot these problems and recommend solutions to not only repair the corroded water pipes but also prevent corrosion in the future.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been providing award-winning service to the Apple Valley community for over a decade. They offer same-day service, up-front pricing, and free estimates so every customer can return to their routine quickly and with no unpleasant surprises. They also guarantee 100% satisfaction on every job, so homeowners know they’re in good hands when they call Apple Valley for plumbing maintenance in Apple Valley, MN!

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Practice Gas Leak Safety This National Wellness Month

Identify and Respond to Gas Leaks With These Tips

Natural gas is an efficient and widely used fuel source. And gas companies do their best to protect homeowners from gas leaks. From adding foul-smelling odors to the normally odorless gas to ensuring those who work on gas plumbing are certified and competent, plenty of safeguards are in place. But this doesn't mean gas leaks don't happen. They do. And every homeowner should know exactly what to do if they experience a leak in their home. It could mean the difference between life and death. Read on to learn the steps to take if there's a gas leak in the home.

Signs There's a Gas Leak

There are many signs to look for that indicate a gas leak. Some of these are outward signs, while others are things people notice in themselves or others. First, the outward signs:

A hissing sound near a gas line — often accompanied by a whitish cloud
Visibly broken gas line
A rotten egg-like smell in the house or near the gas line
Dead or dying houseplants
Minor leaks may only be noticed by an increase in the gas bill

There are also physical gas leak symptoms to look out for. These include:

Dizziness
Breathing problems
Flu-like symptoms
Ringing ears
Drowsiness
Nausea
Fatigue
Headaches
Chest pain

Responding to a Gas Leak

Homeowners who notice one or more of the symptoms above should immediately evacuate all people and pets. It's important to get everyone out of the house and into the fresh air to counter the effects of natural gas poisoning. It's also imperative that people avoid turning on any lights, appliances, or any other electrical components. While rare, explosions are possible when a gas leak fills the house and something causes a spark. Those who know they have a gas leak should never remain in the house to try and locate it. Instead, get outside to safety.

Once everyone is outside the house, it's best to call a professional. Depending on the situation, this could mean calling the fire department, 911, or the gas company's emergency phone number. If anyone needs medical attention, always call for emergency medical assistance first. When everyone's health is addressed, homeowners should call the gas company and have them turn off the gas.

Pro Gas Leak Solutions

The gas leak will need to be repaired before the gas is turned back on and used again. Remember that only professionals should perform gas leak repair to ensure it's done properly. Certified plumbers use special gas leak detection equipment to locate and then repair the leak. The gas company won't do this, so homeowners need to choose an experienced and certified company.

There are preventative measures homeowners can take that can help alert them to a gas leak before dangerous levels build up. There are gas detection devices available that one can install in the home. And while most homes have carbon monoxide detectors, it's important to note that these will not detect a natural gas leak. Certain special models do both, so homeowners need to determine whether the one in their home will detect carbon monoxide alone or natural gas. A professional plumbing company can advise homeowners on the market's best natural gas detection devices.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has proudly served Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide same-day service performed by courteous and professional technicians. The company is known for its satisfaction guarantee and free estimates. Give them a call today for natural gas leak repair and detection in Apple Valley, MN.

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Indicators of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

Is It Time for a New Water Heater?

Water heaters are best when they are neither seen nor heard. They are one of those appliances that silently do their job and largely go unnoticed. It is often taken for granted. The problem is that this can lead to years without the homeowner realizing that the water heater is breaking down. If a water heater is more than ten years old, it is a ticking time bomb for replacement. Likewise, a plumbing professional may recommend an upgrade if a water heater is not doing its job and constantly needs repair. If these most obvious signs are not present, a few other ways a home’s water heater may be communicating that it may be reaching the end of its functionality.

Clangs, Rumbles, and Creaks, Oh My!

As previously mentioned, water heaters tend to do their work quietly. When noises begin issuing from that back corner of the linen closet, there may be a problem. Banging and rumbling noises can indicate that there is sediment or calcium buildup in the tank. Several different things can cause this:

Corroded pipes
Faulty anode rod
Corrosion within the hot water tank
Hard water buildup

What’s In the Water? Foul Smells and Discoloration

The above problems can lead to rusty, musty, and smelly water. Whether or not it is coming from a faulty water heater or the pipes needs to be determined by an experienced professional. At the very least, a home will need water heater maintenance if this problem occurs. A tankless water heater may need to be flushed to remove sediment or hard water crystallization from the internal parts. Here are a few maintenance steps a plumbing professional would take to make sure a home’s water is running clear and without icky smells:

Flush the Tank: This is emptying the water heater’s tank and cleaning it with solvents that help remove sediment and calcium deposits from hard water.
Replace the Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts corroded particles and keeps them out of the water. If the anode rod is not working properly, this will lead to higher particle buildup, so replacing it can correct the problem.
Check and Resurface the Tank: A protective coating on the inside of hot water tanks prevents rusting and other types of corrosion. If this coating is damaged, it can cause rusty colored and rusty-smelling water. One can resurface the interior in some cases, but if the problem is extensive, it may require water heater replacement.

Leaks: A Sure Sign that a Water Heater Needs Immediate Attention

If a puddle or puddles of water are evident from a home’s water heater, it is time to place a call to the pros. While it may be difficult for the average homeowner to determine where a leak is coming from or how to fix it, this is something that the licensed plumber does practically every day. It will be quick work either to repair the leak or advise the homeowner on what steps to take. If a water heater does leak, a person should not ignore it. It can be extremely damaging to a home’s structure.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Serving Apple Valley, MN and the surrounding areas, this company is known for its fast response time, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed workmanship. Call Apple Valley Plumbing Company for water heater services!