Tag: homeowner's

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

clogsWhen 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

corrosionSince 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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Head Back to Homeowner's School with Plumbing 101

Learn the Basics of a Home's Plumbing System

Most people that have owned homes for a few years know that there is always something to learn. There is no shortage of curveballs that a house can throw that can send homeowners into a spiral. Knowledge is one of the most important tools a homeowner can have because it helps protect and understand their investment. 

As kids head back to school this year, homeowners should take a moment and learn something about their home's plumbing. In this article, plumbers are happy to share a few facts to keep homeowners up-to-date on their plumbing knowledge.  

The Journey of Water To and from a Homesink water

Abundant fresh water is probably one of the most under-appreciated utilities that's in a home. Without readily available safe drinking water and a sophisticated sewer system to haul used water away, no civilization has thrived. A home's plumbing takes care of both of these functions with surprising reliability. 
It all starts where municipal water supplies enter a home. A single pipe brings water inside the walls, where it splits to feed cold water to fixtures like water heaters, washing machines, and sink basins. The line that feeds the water heater picks up after the tank and distributes hot water all around the home through piping. 

Each plumbing fixture will be near access to a drain line. Like the water lines, the drain line branches from each fixture back to a central sewer line. Once the drain lines meet up, used water and waste are whisked away to a sewer treatment plant via the sewer line. 

Important Plumbing Fixtures Around the Home

As hot and cold water lines serve water around the home, they are made accessible in fixtures like:

  • Showers: Hygiene is an important aspect of health. By using the hot and cold water lines present in showers, homeowners can practice hygiene in comfort. 
  • Toilets: Cold water lines serve toilets to help keep life sanitary. As they flush away waste, homeowners are protected from diseases. 
  • Water Heaters: Water heaters prepare water for use in other appliances. Water tanks and tankless water heaters offer different methods and benefits to help homeowners access this important resource. 
  • Dishwashers: Hot water lines make sure that dishes get cleaned and sanitized. As water pumps down the drain, food particles go with it, so the appliance's inside is always clean.

drain Keeping Drains Clean with Professional Drain Cleaning

Drains are equally as important to plumbing as clean water. Without clean drains, everyone would be constantly inundated with filthy water. Since drains take so much abuse, they must stay clean. Periodically, professional drain cleaning can help ensure that drains keep working properly. 

Whether a home needs emergency drain cleaning to remove a nasty clog or sewer lines need to be hydro jetted, professional plumbers have solutions to drain problems. For extra peace of mind, cleaning drains can ensure that homeowners never have to deal with an embarrassing and stressful drain clog. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a professional plumbing company in Apple Valley, MN. With same-day service, they get problems solved faster. Upfront pricing ensures that no surprise charges get tagged onto a homeowner's bill. Call now for plumbing service!

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