Apple Valley Plumbing Company Archives - Page 5 of 6

The Three Top Ways to Prevent Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Prevent Frozen Pipes From Ruining the Holiday Festivities!

One of the easiest ways to ruin a fine holiday vacation is a burst pipe and accompanying repipe. It's also one of the most easily preventable household disasters. For many homeowners, the hardest part is remembering to follow proper advice. After all, keeping pipes warm is easy, but it seems like plumbers become very busy during the winter with flooded homes from burst pipes. Read on to discover the best ways to prevent pipes from freezing this winter.

Make Sure Your Pipes Are Insulated Properly

The top way for homeowners to keep their pipes from freezing is proper insulation. This is especially important for any exterior pipes and plumbing fixtures because they are more exposed to the elements and less protected by the house's heat and insulation.

For these easily-accessible outdoor pipes, it is fairly easy for homeowners to install the insulation themselves. Most hardware stores sell pre-cut pipe installation that will easily slip over the pipes. There is also spray-foam insulation available for added protection for those hard-to-reach pipes and fixtures.

Let Water Drip

One of the other best ways to prevent burst pipes during the winter is to let water drip out of the faucet. This is effective because pipes don't actually burst from the ice itself. A common misconception is that water expansion from turning to ice causes the pipe to burst. However, this isn't the case. Instead, it's the buildup of pressure that happens behind the ice blockage in the pipe. This water pressure is essential for the flow of water into the home. Without it, water would only flow out of a trickle, instead of the powerful flow that homeowners enjoy.

So, letting water drip out of a faucet or two can keep the pipes' pressure low. It also helps to ensure that water is always moving. Even at a slow pace, moving water can make freezing less likely.

Keep the Thermostat at 55-Degrees Fahrenheit

Finally, the third tip to keep pipes from bursting this winter is all about the thermostat. It can be tempting for homeowners to turn their thermostat off when they leave the house, but turning it down is a better option. Keeping the thermostat above 55-degree Fahrenheit can help keep the pipes from freezing, especially during long periods away from the house. This is because the heat inside the house isn't just for humans, but it can also keep the pipes comfortable and warm.

In addition to keeping the thermostat above 55-degrees, homeowners can keep their interior doors and cabinets open when gone for long periods. This allows the heat to make its way into every room and to the vulnerable pipes under the sinks. Homeowners who are planning on leaving the home for extended periods during the winter need to weigh the possibility of a burst pipe against the cost of keeping the heater running while they are gone.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company was founded in 2013 to serve Apple Valley, MN, and their plumbing needs. They offer free estimates and a 100% guarantee for every job. Their techs are known for being courteous, professional, and communicative. Call now for plumbing services!

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What To Do for Your Pipes This Winter

Protect Your Home Against Burst Pipes With these Helpful Tips!

Burst pipes are never fun, but this nightmare is a much more common occurrence in colder areas. Once pipes burst, homeowners can expect to deal with flooding, water damage, and costly pipe repairs. Although burst pipes almost always catch people unawares, observation for signs of deterioration, leaks, and other symptoms can provide the opportunity for an earlier and easier fix.

Homeowners should be especially wary during the holiday season since inspecting the drainage system can become the last priority. An Allstate poll even found that burst pipes in Minnesota increased by 197 percent during the holidays! Read this article for the best chance at protection against burst pipes in winter.

Potential Damage From Burst Pipes

Burst pipes can mean thousands of dollars in repairs. The damage can range from ruined floors and carpeting to a total building overhaul. This plumbing debacle is caused when frozen water expands in the pipes and, as a result, puts too much pressure on the inner pipe walls. Pipes are much more likely to burst if they are older or deteriorated due to chemicals from cleaning products.

The material of the pipe will also play a significant factor in its life expectancy. Materials such as brass, galvanized steel, and cast-iron can last even up to a century, and copper can provide up to 80 years of service. PVC pipes range from 25 - 40 years of use.

Burst pipes may feel like a doomsday scenario that can take an owner by surprise at any point but take heart. There are signs of pipe deterioration and steps a homeowner can take to protect their home.

What Insulation Can Mean for Your Pipes

Just like how humans need coats in cold weather, pipes need protection in winter as well. Insulating pipes will help reduce the risk of a burst. Uninsulated pipes can freeze when the weather outside is just under 20 degrees Fahrenheit, a low threshold for Minnesota winters.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies reviewed 433 burst pipe claims and found that unheated attics take the cake as the most common cause of burst pipes. People may not realize that attics also have pipes, leaving them unprotected and uninsulated against winter weather. Pipe insulation can be purchased at any hardware store. This inexpensive fix will save thousands in potential damages and repiping.

More Methods To Prevent Burst Pipes

Insulation is a sure-fire way to improve the chances of pipes surviving the winter incident-free. However, insulation is not the only way to protect pipes.

Other recommended methods are:

Avoid chemical cleaners - When chemicals used for cleaning purposes pass through the pipes, they eat away at the pipes' integrity. Alternatively, homeowners can invest in professional drain cleaning services to clean pipes and prevent blockage.
Check annually for signs of deterioration - Frequent assessment of pipe quality can save money, time, and effort. Homeowners should check for leaks or cracks (of any size), water spots around the piping, corrosion on pipes, and discolored water. Any of these signs can mean that it is time to call a plumber for an inspection.
Consider upgrading the piping material - When the unfortunate time for pipe replacement comes, use this opportunity to assess which piping material works best for the house. For instance, copper may have a long life expectancy but is more likely to freeze than other materials.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

When looking for a trusted plumber in the Apple Valley area, Apple Valley Plumbing Company should be at the top of the list. They are committed to doing what is best for their clients, including educating them on a cheaper option or providing top-notch specialized services. With same-day services and upfront prices, Apple Valley Plumbing is there for its clients. Contact them today for expert plumbing services.

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Bathroom Remodels Don't Have To Be Scary

Professional Contractors Can Help Tackle a Bathroom Remodel

With summer vacations over and families' schedules beginning to return to normal, many people will turn their attention back to home improvement projects during the fall season. One of the most popular home improvement projects is bathroom remodels. Bathroom remodels can be as simple as swapping out some light fixtures and faucets or as severe as stripping walls down to the studs and rearranging a bathroom layout.

Regardless of the remodel, it usually involves some change in the plumbing. Any time a homeowner gets involved with changing plumbing, it is always helpful to have a licensed professional's assistance.

Trained Professionals Keep Projects Safe

DIYers can find themselves out of their depth during bathroom remodels. Not only is the project itself difficult, it also requires dangerous tools. When people don't know what they're doing, it could be hazardous to homeowners and their property. Injuries can quickly slow down a project, and insurance copays can soon run a project over budget. Additionally, damages to property from unsafe conditions will require remediation costs that weren't initially projected.

A licensed professional knows how to complete bathroom remodels safely and has special insurance to protect the property they are working on. If anything unfortunate should happen to a worker or the property, the homeowner is covered by the contractor's insurance.

Doing Things Right the First Time Saves Money

Bathroom remodels can vary between relatively cheap to positively expensive. When it comes to plumbing, even simple installations can have dire consequences in the long run that result in unexpected repair costs. Even something as simple as changing a plumbing fixture can result in damage. When plumbing fixtures are changed, untrained workers may damage piping behind the walls or not completely stop leaks at pipe joints. Small leaks can cause mold growth on drywall and ruin floors.

Costs to repair the damage done by a small leak can quickly exceed budgets. The expenses are doubled when damage is done to remodeling work that was already completed because now that work has to be redone with new materials. All of this could've been prevented by hiring a professional first.

Trained Professionals Can Get Bathroom Remodels Done Quicker

Living in a home that has an unserviceable bathroom can be a huge upset to a household. While most houses have multiple bathrooms, most of the home's occupants will have their daily routines built around a specific bathroom. During a remodel, the bathroom will be unavailable, and the users will have to find somewhere else to carry out their daily routines.

The other bathrooms will become overcrowded. This makes the project time-sensitive. Professionals understand the need to get a project done promptly. They are used to completing projects on a schedule and can effortlessly quote the problem before getting things back to normal.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been serving customers since 2013. What sets them apart is the personal attention they pay to each job. Their plumbers show up clean and uniformed on the same day that calls are issued, and they always offer clear and upfront pricing. Contact them today for Apple Valley, MN bathroom remodeling services.

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The 411 on Sump Pumps

Who Can Benefit From a Sump Pump?

Located in a hole in the basement floor (the sump), sump pumps are responsible for pumping excess water from beneath the house out and away from the foundation. This prevents the basement from flooding and causing expensive water damage. The peace of mind a sump pump provides is well worth the initial cost.

In this article, homeowners will learn about the types of sump pumps, how to tell if theirs need one, and how to choose the best sump pump for their home.

Signs a Home Needs a Sump pump

Where the home is built and how it is built dictates whether it will need a sump pump. Houses with a basement mostly or completely underground often need a sump pump, especially if they are built-in lower elevations. Areas that receive a lot of precipitation (rain or snow) usually require sump pumps.

Use this checklist to decide if a sump pump is needed:

Does the house have a basement?
Has the basement flooded before?
Is there a sump already in place (a hole where water collects)?
Does the area get a lot of rain or snow?
Is the house built at the bottom of a hill or in a valley?
Is the basement finished? Are there valuable items there in need of protection?
Is the current sump pump six years old or older?

For homeowners that answered yes to most of these questions, they definitely need a sump pump. A licensed plumber can help them choose and install one that will work best for their needs.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps available on the market today. Both require electricity to operate, but if power outages are common where they live, they might consider looking for a battery-powered backup pump, as well.

Pedestal Sump Pump: Once the industry standard, pedestal sump pumps have the motor situated above the sump. An external float measures the water level and dictates when the pump should turn on. Pedestal models are generally cheaper but do not last as long, as the motor is susceptible to overheating. They are also louder than submersible pumps.
Submersible Sump Pump: Now the more popular choice, submersible sump pumps are totally submerged in water, which offers cooling benefits for the motor. Quieter than pedestal pumps, they can be more difficult to repair and maintain. Can be more powerful and more expensive.
Battery Backup Sump Pump: A smaller version of a submersible sump pump, these models run on battery power and should be used in combination with an electric sump pump. They turn on and prevent flooding if the power goes out. But they are not very powerful and have a short battery life, making them an option for emergency use only.

How To Choose a Sump Pump

Whether a homeowner chooses a pedestal pump or a submersible pump is a matter of preference. Submersible pumps are stronger and longer-lasting, making them the more popular choice for residential use.

Here are three factors to consider when shopping for a sump pump:

Cost: Pedestal sump pumps are typically cheaper, but may need to be replaced more often. They are a good choice for areas with infrequent, light flooding. If the area floods often, homeowners would be better off investing in a higher-quality pump.
Quality: Cheaper sump pumps are made with cheaper parts, and usually break down faster. Sump pump motors may be housed in thermoplastic, cast iron, or stainless steel. Metal pumps are more expensive but are resistant to corrosion and damage.
Power: The strength of a sump pump is measured in horsepower. Sump pump motors are available as small as 1/6 HP and as large as 2 HP. The higher the HP, the more expensive the pump. Fortunately, 1/3 HP or 1/2 HP is adequate for most homes; homeowners in very wet areas often choose 3/4 HP or even 1 HP.

An experienced plumber can help determine which sump pump will work best, and will be able to provide additional installation and maintenance tips.

Sump Pump Help From Apple Valley Plumbing, LLC

Established in 2013, Apple Valley Plumbing, LLC is happy to help with sump pump installation or repair. With upfront pricing, fully-stocked trucks, clean, courteous service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Apple Valley Plumbing, LLC is Apple Valley, MN’s first choice for plumbing assistance.

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Resolving a Blocked Drain Deep Inside Your Pipes

How To Get Rid of a Blocked Drain

The drains in a home are responsible for carrying away wastewater, but they are also often tasked with carrying away dirt and debris. Drain pipes are wider than water supply lines to allow for the extra waste; even so, drain pipes can occasionally become blocked. A clog can form with hair, soap residue, solid waste, food waste, dried grease, lint and more.

When a clog happens, water stops draining down and pools in your sink, tub or toilet. There are a few methods that can clear the blocked drain. A few of the more common methods are snaking, hydro-jetting and a homemade baking soda and vinegar solution.

Snaking a Blocked Drain

A plumbing snake is a long, flexible metal cable with an auger or uncoiled spring at the end. The snake is sent down into the drainpipe to dislodge a clog.

While simple on paper, this method can be frustrating. Homeowners will have to master the technique of dislodging the clog with the flexible auger. If the clog is hard to locate, the snakes available at home improvement stores may not be long enough. Finally, without knowledge of the pipe network that makes up a home's plumbing system, it's easy to accidentally break or knock loose a fitting, causing a leak.

This is why homeowners need a professional plumber to snake the drain. While homeowners typically choose a manual snake of about 50 feet, professional plumbers usually use a very long, powerful, motorized snake. Their snake can reach farther and dislodge the clog quicker, saving valuable time and effort.

Hydro-Jetting a Blocked Drain

Hydro-jetting employs a powerful jet of water to clear blocked drains. The hydro-jet is a gas-powered machine that shoots water through a long flexible hose and out a highly pressurized nozzle. The nozzle often rotates, cutting through dirt and debris for a 360-degree clean.

Hydro-jetting services are recommended for high-buildup blockages like kitchen grease and tough clogs like those caused by tree roots. With hydro-jetting services, that clogged drain pipe will be good as new. But accidents can happen, so it's best to leave it in the hands of a professional.

Using Baking Soda & Vinegar To Open a Drain

Instead of using harsh chemicals, many homeowners love to use a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar to unclog a blocked drain. The two are popular household cleaners, as they are safe for human contact and are better for the environment. When mixed, the foaming acidic cleaner can dissolve buildup and blockages in a drain. However, this solution is not always as effective as store-bought chemicals, and it only temporarily opens the drain. It does not completely remove the blockage, and the drain will soon become clogged again.

It's best to call a professional plumber to help get rid of a blocked drain for the best results. They will be able to find the clog, diagnose what's causing it and recommend a course of action to get the drains open and flowing again.

Get Expert Clog Removal From a Local Plumber

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been serving the community of Apple Valley, MN for over 17 years. With decades of experience and up-to-date training, their technicians are the experts at drain cleaning. Prompt, respectful service, quality craftsmanship and a 100% satisfaction guarantee are all part of Apple Valley Plumbing's commitment to customer service.

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Urgent Information About Water Leaks

Save Yourself From Water Leaks!

The whole principle behind good plumbing is that water stays inside your plumbing system until it is ready for use. Any deviation from that principle is a leak and any leak is too big of a leak. Leaks are expensive. While you may think that leaks are expensive to repair, they are much more expensive if they are allowed to continue. Leaking water isn’t free. Utility bills will continue to accrue until the leak is repaired. Additionally, depending on the location of the leak, it could cause damage to your cabinets, walls, and floors by promoting mold growth and rotting wooden members.

In this article, you will learn where to look for common leaks and what causes them. Prevention of leaks will also be covered so that you know how to protect yourself and your property from complications caused by leaks.

Where Are Common Water Leaks?

A leak occurs any time water is allowed outside of your plumbing system unintentionally. Leaks can happen in freshwater lines, drains, appliances, fixtures, and sewers. Some common examples of leaks are:

A dripping faucet.
Water coming from hose connections under a sink.
Bathtub drains leaking water onto floors under the tub.
Seeping flapper valve in a toilet.
Water seeping up through a concrete slab from a broken pipe.
Leaking hot water tank.

Depending on the leak, there are many ways that plumbers go about fixing the problem. Leaks that occur in sinks or fixtures may require repair in the form of new washers or valve stems or maybe even total replacement. Toilet tank kits may need to be installed to make sure it isn’t constantly running. Leaky sections of pipe may need to be replaced or updated to newer systems.

Causes Of Water Leaks

Water leaks can happen for many reasons and it’s up to your plumber to try and figure out the root cause. Fixtures and toilets begin to leak over time because parts wear out and need to be replaced. Heavy spring rains can cause strain on pipes that may cause them to burst. Corrosion may degrade metal pipes and tanks and require replacement with modern plastic-based alternatives. Warm summer air may cause condensation to form on pipes and commode tanks making them appear to leak.

Preventing Leakage

Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your plumbing and home. The first step is vigilance. Paying attention to areas under cabinets and around water heaters can keep you alert about slow leaks happening.

Secondly, have your home’s pressure regulator tested by a plumber. Home’s are equipped with pressure regulating devices that prevent spikes in water pressure. Occasionally, they go bad and allow a surge of pressure to damage your plumbing. A plumber can verify yours is working and replace it if need be.

Third, updating old fixtures, piping, and water tanks can help prevent problems before they occur. If you are planning a remodel, this is a great time to consider new fixtures and replacing sections of outdated piping.

Finally, look into whole-home leak detectors. Leak detectors can tell when leaks are occurring and shut off water accordingly.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company was established in 2013 to provide excellent plumbing services to the people of Apple Valley, MN. When you call Apple Valley Plumbing Company, one of their award-winning plumbers will greet you and in many cases can meet you same-day for service. Whether you need a new hot water tank or are dealing with clogged toilets, they are ready to help.

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Everything You Need to Know About Water Softeners

The Importance of Soft Water

Hard water typically tastes unpleasant, leaves skin red and itchy after showers, can stain porcelain, and even affect your bathroom plumbing. If you find yourself experiencing some of these hard water symptoms, consider the advantages of installing a water softener in your home.

Hard water contains Calcium and Magnesium, and trace amounts of other minerals. While hard water is technically safe to drink, as mentioned above, many undesirable results come from drinking and bathing in hard water. Hard water can be present in well water and even city water, so the only way to guarantee soft water is to install a water softener in your home.

This article will review the differences between hard and soft water and go over how water softeners work. Read on to learn from the experts why your home would benefit from installing a water softener.

How to Detect Hard Water

There are several signs to look out for to help determine if your home has hard water or not. If you notice any of these occurrences in your home, you most likely have hard water:

White, Chalky Residue on Your Dishes
Rough Clothes and Linens After Washing
Stains on White Porcelain
Dry and Irritated Skin After Showering
Low Water Pressure (Due to Clogged Pipes)

85% of Americans have hard water, particularly in the Northern part of the country. This is why water softener services are so important.

The Importance of Water Softener Salt

Water softeners work by passing hard water through sodium resin beads that work to soften the water through a process known as “ion exchange.” During this process, positively charged ions like Calcium and Magnesium stick to the beads, while negatively charged sodium ions take their place. While this process does increase the sodium levels in your water supply, the levels have been tested and are known to be safe for human consumption.

Water softener salt is necessary to periodically “recharge” the beads. If you choose to install a water softener in your home, you will need to be aware of water softener salt so you can keep your system working efficiently. Water softener salt is available at any home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowes.

The Hidden Cost of Hard Water

While you may not mind the taste of hard water, you should consider the added cost of hard water damaging your plumbing system. The minerals present in hard water tend to clog pipes.

These clogged pipes can then cause significant issues in your plumbing system, leading to low water pressure and the failure of certain appliances such as your dishwasher.

Your water heater also has to work harder to heat hard water as “scale buildup” from Calcium and Magnesium impairs efficiency and leads to increased energy bills.

The cost of a water softener installation in your home is low compared to the energy savings you will experience down the road. If you and your family are experiencing the adverse effects of hard water, call a plumber today to learn about installing a water softener in your home.

Call the Experts

Apple Valley Plumbing Company prides itself on the personalized attention paid to every job and every client. They are committed to honesty, transparency, and serving the community with quality workmanship and a wide range of services. Call them today to learn more about your water quality solutions.

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Will a Water Filter Remove Viruses?

Why You Need a Water Filter

The world is focused on a few things right now and sickness prevention is one of them. In light of the virus that has spread around the world, it’s important to know how to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

When it comes to water, there are several ways to ensure your water is as clean as possible. It’s important to learn the differences between water filtration options so that you have clean water that is free of illness-causing microorganisms and viruses.

Why Ultrafiltration Is Great

When looking for water filtration systems, you will probably come across two terms: microfiltration and ultrafiltration. Here’s what you need to know. Microfiltration has pores the size of .1 micron, meaning it will keep out numerous microorganisms but not viruses.

Ultrafiltration, however, has prores the size of .01 micron, meaning it will remove microorganisms and can also remove some viruses from your drinking water. What can ultrafiltration filter out of the water in your home?

It can remove common viruses such as Enteric, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and Rotavirus. Any of these can cause significant illnesses to people living in your home. To remove them and use the water in your home with peace of mind, an ultrafiltration system is what you need.

Understanding the Distillation Process

Distillation is another method for purifying water. This process is highly effective when it comes to removing bacteria from your water. What can distillation remove? Bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli.

Needless to say, removing these harmful bacteria from your water is crucial for the health of you and your family. Any of these bacteria can cause extreme illness and can even lead to death if not treated early enough.

To remove these common bacteria from your water and use your household water knowing your family is safe, a distillation process for purification might be the best for you.

UV Water Treatments Offer Modern Solutions

For a final water treatment option, consider UV water treatments. UV stands for ultraviolet and is the most effective method for disinfecting bacteria from water. Keep in mind that this is for bacteria, not viruses.

How does it work? Ultraviolet rays penetrate the illness-causing bacteria in your home’s water. When it does, the UV light eliminates the bacteria’s ability to reproduce. This is a simple process, incredibly effective, and environmentally safe. It destroys up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria and microorganisms without adding chemicals or changing the way your water tastes.

UV systems are often used with reverse osmosis systems to get the water in your home as clean and pure as possible. With UV filtration, you won’t need any chemicals like chlorine. Your water will taste pure and clean. Your water will also be odor-free.

Another benefit to UV water treatments is that it requires very little energy to run the system. These systems typically require as much energy as a 60 watt light bulb. Finally, UV systems are very low maintenance. Once you set it up, you leave it and only need to annually change the UV bulb to ensure it stays working at peak performance.

Award-Winning Plumbing Professionals

Apple Valley Plumbing Company proudly serves Apple Valley, MN for all their plumbing needs. They offer all of their customers same-day plumbing services, upfront pricing, quality customer service, free estimates, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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Home Flooding During Heavy Rains? Let's Stop That!

How to Prevent Home Flooding

Heavy rains at the beginning of Spring are very common and have a reputation of being welcome so that they will bring flowers and beauty later on in Spring. One of the lesser talked about side effects of April showers is the effect that they have on pipes and overall plumbing. One of the biggest issues that come from heavy rains is an increase in pressure on your pipes.

Not only can this damage your plumbing, but it also can lead to flooding in your home. This article will discuss some of the ways heavy rain can impact your plumbing, and what you can do to protect your home!

Heavy Rains and High Water Pressure

Just by the nature of the seasons, there is going to be a lot of rain at the beginning of Spring. Depending on the amount and how saturated your ground already is, the influx of rain is sure to lead to increased water pressure on your plumbing system, mainly your pipes.

Water pipes are essentially designed for certain levels of water pressure. If you exceed that maximum pressure, the very structure of the pipe could be compromised and lead to cracks and bursts. High water pressure can cause erosion to your pipes, which will weaken them at critical points, allowing them to crack or burst.

High water pressure also damages the stoppers in your pipes over time which can mess with their ability to do their job properly and contributing to bursting pipes. High water pressure is also the main contributor to what is known as the water hammer effect. In a normally functioning pipe with proper water pressure, there are internal air chambers that will protect the pipe when the water is not flowing through it.

If you have high water pressure, these air chambers are negated and when water stops flowing, there is what is known as a “hammer” effect that allows damages to multiple parts of your pipes. There are a few ways to avoid high water pressure. You can pick up a pressure gauge at most home improvement stores. This device should be attached to the faucet closest to your water main, and turn the water completely on. If you have readings below 80 psi, you are good. Anything above, and, you are in pressure danger zone.

There are some systems out there that are smart home water monitoring systems, which will monitor your homes plumbing from water pressure to flow to temperature. These systems will send alerts to your smartphone and can even shut your system down if it detects imminent danger. Remember, high water pressure can lead to home flooding. Paying attention and performing regular maintenance on your home can help you to avoid any expensive issues.

Saturated Grounds Allow for Pipe Movement

During the beginning of Spring, the amount of heavy precipitation can soften the ground around your home. Once the ground starts to absorb too much water, the soil loosens and shifts. That means anything in that dirt is now able to shift - including pipes.

If your underground pipes are suddenly not being held by the temporarily malleable earth around it, the pipes are now able to also shift position. With the pressure from the water in the dirt that once held them steady, these pipes may now be pushed by that pressure. This can lead to cracks or bursts on the pipes.

They may crack due to the pressure of movement of the earth around them. The shifting of their position may cause joints or other areas of the pipe to receive more pressure than normal causing a crack or burst. The pipe itself may get pushed up against debris that damages it. Pipes in the ground are not meant to move, and though they allow for some flexibility, the majority that have increased pressure around them may not be able to handle it.

Please note that if you know of a crack or burst in your pipe, or suspect one, the best thing to do is turn off the main water, and call in the professionals. This is not something you should attempt to fix yourself.

Shifting Foundations Can Increase Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure. That is the technical term for the water pressure in the ground around your home’s foundation. Though it is hard for anyone who has seen concrete to believe, water will and does get through it, and this can eventually lead to major flooding issues in your home.

The water pressure in the soil around your house is very high, and will help the water to push its way in. The groundwater hydrostatic pressure is often tied to the rain you get. The rainier the season, the more pressure - so at the beginning of Spring this pressure is high.

As the pressure grows and the water pushes against the foundation to get in, this can cause your foundation to start to shift. If that happens, the ground will react and the shifting becomes more noticeable and intense. If left unchecked, the damage to your home’s foundation can become more severe.

The more pressure on the foundation, the more likely it will crack or buckle and this will allow the water to stop seeping into your home and rush in, causing home flooding. Even the seepage can accumulate to flood levels if left to its own devices. If you notice seeping or standing water in your basement, close to the walls, it is an issue you will want to look into. If it appears to be coming in through the walls, you will want to do something to relieve the pressure around your home's foundation.

Call Apple Valley Plumbing Company for Trusted Services

Providing plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN for seven years, Apple Valley Plumbing Company prides itself on good quality work, from the first phone call to the final product. High-quality equipment will be used in a plan they draw up with you every step of the way. They will treat you like you are a neighborhood friend - because to them, you are!

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3 Certain Ways To Get Your Clogged Toilet To Flush!

What to Do If Your Toilet Won’t Flush

One of the most embarrassing situations for a homeowner is when the toilet won’t flush. Having to explain away the situation of a clogged toilet is hard and causes a lot of distress. Not only that, but the situation can have serious health effects as well for everyone living in the home.

When the worst should happen, it is important to get help right away in order to unclog the toilet. On the other hand, preventing the toilet from backing up in the first place will save a lot of inconvenience, stress, and money. Below, expert plumbers share three ways to avoid a toilet that will not flush.

Plumbers Offer Hydrojetting Service

One of the best ways to keep your drain lines clear is by having a hydrojetter clean out any build-up periodically. This system will eliminate clogs due to excess hair, soap scum, dirt, mineral build-up, oil, and grease. This debris can cause major clogs and keep your toilet from flushing.

Using high water pressure is beneficial as well, a hydrojetter is a stream of water that is sent through your drain pipes to clear it of any debris. This is typically done during drain cleaning which is also another great service to have performed to keep your toilets working as they should.

Drain cleaning, along with hydrojetting, should be done every two to three years. Depending on the state of your pipes, it may need to be done more often. Another benefit of dream cleaning is that it can provide information on the state of your pipes and prevent future repairs.

Watch Your Water Level

Another tip for keeping your toilets flushing is to watch the water level in your toilet tank. The water in the tank is what will flush your toilet. When you flush the handle, the water is released and gravity assists it in washing away all of the waste.

When there is not enough water, it won't accumulate the force needed to flush. If you have a leak or other type of issue with your tank, you may not have the water needed to successfully use the toilet. Typically, the water level should be at least three-quarters of the way full for a successful flush. If it is not, this may be the culprit behind your flushing issue.

Your Flush Handle May Be the Problem

The toilet handle on your toilet is another important aspect of flushing and one of the main causes of any issues. The handle is the mechanism that releases the water from the tank into the toilet which will then wash away the waste.

When the handle is broken or the attachment has come loose, it will keep your toilet from behaving as it should. As this is a very common cause of a non-flushing toilet, it can be overlooked. Thankfully, the fix for this issue is quite simple.

A technician will start by ensuring that the handle is connected to the ballcock in the tank. If that is fine you may need to have your handle replace which can usually be done quite simply by a technician. Overall, having a successful flushing toilet is important for your health and well-being.

Trust Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been serving the community of Apple Valley, MN for over 10 years. They are committed to serving the community and ensuring your plumbing system is working properly. They are available for drain cleaning, hydro-jetting, and emergency repairs. Their expert technicians are courteous and provide quality workmanship.