three Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Three Ways To Save Money on Monthly Water Bills

Avoid Rising Water Bills

The average water bill in Apple Valley, MN, is approximately $60 per month. Saving money on water costs is not difficult, but it does take planning. A few household tips can help reduce water intake while providing enough water for appliances, showering, cooking, and more.

Reduce Outdoor Water

There’s no controlling the weather, but the household largely influences outdoor water usage. Installing an irrigation control system and reducing daytime sprinklers will save water. By spraying the lawn at night, homeowners can save money every month.

Direct sunlight evaporates moisture and can impact hydration on a long-term basis. Even plants requiring partial shade do better when the sprinkler system is used during the dark. Sprinkler systems with automatic timers are always recommended so that excess water does not become an issue.

Turning off the tap is also important for indoor water usage. Although it may seem like a small amount of water is wasted while brushing teeth, this hidden cost quickly adds up. Using less water for washing dishes, cooking, and shaving will all reduce daily water expenditure without jeopardizing healthy sanitation practices.

Water-Friendly Water Fixtures

An environmentally friendly washing machine is one way to conserve water, but there are a few less expensive devices that can help. Showerheads and faucet filters are two fixtures that do not require an electrician.

Faucet aerators are called faucet filters because they work similarly to a screen cover. Using a screen to restrict part of the water flow reduces water usage automatically whenever the tap is turned on. Depending on the brand, most water aerators are adjustable, so homeowners can choose how much water they want for each faucet.

Showerheads can be just as inexpensive as faucet aerators at just a few dollars per cover. Water-conserving showerheads are available in most hardware stores or online and do not require professional installation services.

For decades, low-flow toilets have been used in Europe to conserve water. Two buttons on top of the toilet control the amount of water needed for each flush. They provide enough water to empty the bowl while cutting excess water in half. A low-flow toilet will require professional installation but can quickly pay for itself, depending on the household size.

Leak Repair Is Crucial

Many homeowners make the mistake of delaying plumbing repairs. While this does save money upfront, leaks are much more expensive in the long run. Some of the most common leaks can be easily identified before too much water is wasted.

The drain that transfers water from the tub or shower is a frequent problem spot. The leak can be spotted aboveground, but the problem is often located below the drain. If the floor around the tub is discolored, it is a sign of long-term leakage.

Traditional water heaters also leak. Water is commonly found below the tank when the temperature dramatically shifts over a short period. A damaged water tank will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Dishwashers can leak for multiple reasons. Leak detection is especially difficult for homeowners since the problem could stem from the hose, seal, or the structure itself. In some cases, the leak is caused by drain issues and can be fixed relatively easily. Dishwasher leaks quickly become increasingly problematic and need professional repairs within the week they’re noticed.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a non-commission-based plumbing business. Their licensed and insured plumbers offer detailed advice and upfront pricing and never leave until homeowners are 100% satisfied with the job. For more information on their same-day plumbing services in Apple Valley, MN, call Apple Valley Plumbing Company today.

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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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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!