signs Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

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

How To Recognize When Drain Cleaning is Needed

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

Gurgling Sounds are Audible Warning Signs

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

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

Water and Sewage Backups are a Clear Red Flag

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

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

Debris
Tree roots
Grease buildup
Hair buildup

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

Slow Draining Fixtures Should Be Addressed

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

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

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

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

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Warning Signs It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Knowing When It’s Time for New Water Heater Installation

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

Corrosion

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

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

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

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

Hot Water Supply Declines

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

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

Consider the Age and Frequency of Repairs

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

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

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

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

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Signs It's Time for Repiping

Knowing When to Repipe the Home's Water Lines

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

Leaks and Associates Issues

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

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

Corroded Pipes

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

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

How Repiping Helps

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

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

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

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

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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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Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes to Watch Out For

Pay Attention to Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes

During the cold winter months, pipes are prone to freezing over. This happens when the water in the pipes drops to a temperature below freezing due to not having enough insulation.

Frozen pipes can lead to many problems for a plumbing system and should be avoided. An experienced plumbing technician can help homeowners prevent frozen pipes in the wintertime. This article discusses the various warning signs that a home needs frozen pipe repair:

Little to no water running from faucets
Frost forming on the outside of exposed pipes
Loud noises coming from the pipes
Sewage smell inside of the home
Burst pipes

How Frozen Pipes Affect Water Pressure

One of the first things homeowners notice when their pipes are frozen over is that their faucets are not running as usual. When water freezes over, it turns into solid ice, causing blockages in the water flow. A sudden loss of water pressure during a cold snap can indicate a frozen water line.

A dangerous downside to frozen pipes is that they can expand when water turns to ice. When this happens, it can cause the pipe to burst. Not only can burst pipes cause a ton of expensive property damage, but a burst pipe can also put the residents of the home in danger from electrocution if the leak reaches the electrical components within the wall.

Visibly Frosted Over Pipes

Checking for frost on exposed pipes can help a homeowner determine whether or not their pipes are frozen. In most homes, one can find exposed pipes in crawl spaces, closets, or under the kitchen/bathroom sink.

A frosty layer of ice visible on the outside of the pipe indicates a good chance that it looks the same way on the inside of the pipe.

This means that the pipes are in danger of freezing over, preventing water flow, and eventually causing a leaky or burst pipe. Burst pipe repair services keep plumbing companies busy all winter long.

Frozen Sewer Line Causes Terrible Smell

The pipes connecting the water line to the faucets are not the only pipes that can freeze over in a house. The plumbing which connects the toilet and shower drains to the sewer line is also susceptible to freezing when the temperature drops.

A frozen sewer line sometimes results in a foul sewage smell inside the home. Human waste and dirty water frozen inside the pipes are the culprits of this dirty smell.

This is a very unpleasant occurrence that can be avoided by taking preventative measures against frozen pipes, such as adding additional pipe insulation.

Frozen sewer lines can end a holiday party fairly quickly as no one wants to hang around to smell the sewage. Homeowners should schedule frozen pipe repair before the holidays to prevent a plumbing disaster.

About Apple Valley Plumbing

Apple Valley, MN homeowners who need a local burst pipe repair company need to look no further than the experts at Apple Valley Plumbing. Their licensed plumbers are reliable, punctual, and guaranteed quality of service. Call today for pipe repair!