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Avoid These Plumbing Mistakes in 2022

These Easily Avoidable Plumbing Mistakes Get Homeowners Every Year

While some plumbing issues are unavoidable, the vast majority of the most common ones are easy to avoid. Unfortunately, many competing forces out there tell homeowners the wrong things, which can get them into trouble. Small mistakes turn to big ones, and big mistakes cost big money to fix. Luckily, to start the year off right, expert plumbers have compiled a list of three common plumbing mistakes for homeowners to avoid. Read on to find out what they are!

Solving Clogs With Liquid Drain Cleaners

No one wants to deal with a clogged drain. Not only is it sometimes an unpleasant experience, but it can also be messy. Plus, drain clogs tend to come at the absolute worst times, like when guests are at the house or when everyone is rushing out of the house in the morning to start the day. This is what the makers and sellers of liquid drain cleaners count on. These drain cleaners are essentially “hands-off” products. Pour them down the drain and wait. That’s it.

They don’t tell people about these drain cleaners because they can damage the home’s plumbing. Those same chemicals that are so good at eating through clogs can start to eat through the pipes — especially when used regularly. Plus, these chemicals are anything but good for the environment. And that’s just where they end up much of the time: in the water table. These are two major reasons why it’s best to take care of a drain clog with a plumber’s snake or hydro-jetting, which is the best way to clean pipes.

Putting Off Water Heater Maintenance

Most people still have tank-style water heaters these days. These work by keeping water heated throughout the day, whether anyone’s using it or not. This means the water heater is constantly working. Even when no one’s home. And when something is working all the time, it must get the care it needs.

Water heater maintenance is best done by a professional plumber once or twice a year. This is the best way to get the most out of the unit. The plumber will flush out the tank, removing sediment built up. They’ll also check the anode rod, an essential component that needs occasional replacement. The plumber will also perform a range of other checks to ensure everything is functioning as it should, which will help the homeowners prevent water heater issues all year!

Going the DIY Route for Big Plumbing Jobs

The last plumbing mistake to avoid is the hardest one for some people to get past. Those DIY warriors out there want to do everything themselves. Even major plumbing installations or replacements. But while these things may look easy at a glance, they’re big jobs that require expertise. The average homeowner can handle minor plumbing issues. But bigger jobs, like installations and major repairs, are best left up to those with training and experience.

About Apple Valley Plumbing

Apple Valley Plumbing was established in 2013 and has proudly served Apple Valley, MN ever since. They are known for their expert workmanship and superb customer service. They provide upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call them today for drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, and plumbing repair.

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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 Home

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.

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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3 Plumbing Issues That Can Ruin Backyard Summer Fun

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Flood Out Your Summer Plans!

It’s great to have a backyard during the summer months. It’s the time of year when the yard gets the most use. Cookouts, parties, celebrations, or just playing with the kids or pets outside are some of the best times families have. There’s something great about having a yard in which to make memories. So, that last thing that anyone wants is to have to deal with a flooded yard or other outdoor plumbing emergencies right in the middle of summer. Here are three plumbing issues that can ruin backyard summer fun - and what homeowners can do about them.

Broken Sprinklers

Cultivating a backyard to be proud of usually involves sprinklers. Without them, the grass won’t turn green and lush. They save time, eliminating the need for homeowners to be outside spraying down the lawn with a hose. But sometimes sprinklers can break and cause the yard to flood.

Underground irrigation lines can break due to roots, ground shifts, or for no apparent reason at all. When this happens, part of the yard may flood, soaking the grass and making that area a colossal mess that can interfere with summer plans. Most of the time, the fix is to dig down and find the break in the line, cut out the section, and replace it. Sometimes the whole system will malfunction, which usually requires a professional plumber to fix.

Hose Bibs

Many homeowners have hose bibs outside their homes, but they don’t know what they are. Hose bibs come out of the home and are designed to hook a hose up to. Most homeowners know these simply as spigots or hose spigots. While these are usually pretty solid and don’t pose problems, they can start to leak or break on occasion.

Even a small leak from a hose bib can cost the homeowner hundreds of dollars a year. This is why it’s good to look for water running down from the spigot or dark spots on the wall around where the bib comes out. If things are bad enough, one may require a replacement to fix the issue.

The Dreaded Sewer Line Damage

Compared to sewer line damage, broken sprinklers or hose bibs seem like a walk in the park. A sewer line breaking can cause all kinds of problems, depending on where it’s located. If one is located under the driveway, it can cause damage to the concrete above as the sewage leaks out and causes the ground to shift.

Other times, a broken sewer line will cause soggy and smelly areas of the yard, attracting pests to the area. Sometimes patches of especially green or lush grass can pop up above a broken sewer line. Other times it will drain into the basement or cause foundation issues. Those homeowners who suspect they have a broken sewage line should immediately contact a professional plumber to diagnose the issue.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The friendly folks at Apple Valley Plumbing Company have been serving Apple Valley, MN since 2013. They offer same-day service and always treat their customers’ homes like their own. They offer up-front pricing and are always professional and courteous. Contact them today to schedule sewer pipe repair service.

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A History of Iconic Women in Plumbing

How Women Have Shaped the Plumbing Industry

While the stereotypical plumber that comes to mind in most customers is male, women have been plumbing for over 100 years. Though the plumbing industry is typically considered a male-dominated field, women have and continue to contribute to the landscape of the industry. Women have always been involved in plumbing, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, and supporting the male plumbers from the office.

However, during the scarcity of men during World War II, many women took up the mantle of 'local plumber' to complete the necessary plumbing work that communities still needed. Women have continued to add ingenuity and quality work to the plumbing industry.

Lillian Ann Baumbach - The First Female Master Plumber

Lillian Baumbach was the first licensed female master plumbing and changed the landscape of the plumbing industry for women everywhere. Growing up in a family-run plumbing company meant she had been around the industry her whole life and often helped with the behind-the-scenes side of her family's business. However, she eventually decided she wanted to be more hands-on.

Now a bit of a celebrity, Baumbach was nicknamed the "Pretty Plumber" by her fans, both local and national. Because of her popularity and skills, she received letters asking her opinions on industry standards and even marriage proposals, all similarly rejected.

Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers

Founded in the early 1900s, the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Plumbers began to entertain the wives of plumbers attending the larger committee. While the first meetings were social, the group eventually focused on creating change in the plumbing industry.

They did everything from campaigning for better envoy mental, sanitation, health, and labor standards industry-wide to partnering with gas stations, grocery stores, and food handling businesses to improve the sanitary conditions of stores. Today, the Auxiliary is still active in supporting industry change and supporting plumbers of both genders.

Women in Plumbing Today

While today's plumbing industry is still male-dominated both in reality and the minds of the general public, women are still making waves as plumbers across the nation. More women are stepping out of the office out into the field. Though it can still be challenging for women to break into the plumbing industry as there is still some stereotyping that occurs, many female plumbers serve customers and raise the quality standards of the plumbing standards nationwide.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is an award-winning company that has served the Apple Valley, MN area for the last ten years. Focused on being a plumbing company customers can trust, Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers free estimates and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for expert plumbing service!

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Wonderfully Weird White House Plumbing Facts!

President's Day Fun: 3 Fascinating Facts About Plumbing in the White House!

The White House is the iconic, quintessential symbol of the Presidency. It was designed to be a grand place suitable for a world leader, but when the first stone was laid in 1792, the White House did not have the modern convenience of plumbing.

But, plumbing soon came to the White House, and with it came a collage of fascinating history and stories as the pipes of the White House became a part of history. There's so much more to the plumbing of the President's house than just pipes and water!

Plumbing Comes To 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

The White House's first iteration was designed by James Hoban and took eight years to complete, from 1792-1800. But no significant plumbing was installed until President John Quincy Adams had an iron garden spout installed to assist in his gardening sometime between 1825 and 1829.

It was not until after the British burned down the White House in 1814 and a second iteration was built again in 1833 that plumbing piping water into the White House was installed. In 1834 a bathing room was installed for the residents, too.

President Pierce soon improved the plumbing of the White House even more. By 1853, plumbing was installed on the White House's second floor, a permanent fixture that included hot and cold water to be piped into baths and showers.

President Taft's Presidential Custom Bathtub

The leader of the Free World probably needs a relaxing bath after a long day spent making policy and guiding the American people, right? Well, President Taft certainly thought so. William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States. His nickname was "Big Bill," a nod to his enormous size.

President Taft topped the scales at 350 pounds and holds the record for being the largest president to serve in the Oval Office. Such a large man required a larger tub than was had in the White House. In 1909, President Taft was the proud recipient of a custom bathtub over 7 feet long, weighing over a ton, which he used on his sea-faring journey with the USS North Carolina crew. Soon after, similarly-sized tubs were installed in the White House and other important locations the Taft family visited.

A folk-story tells the tale of President Taft becoming stuck in the bathtub and needing the aid of six men to be pulled free. Of course, the story did not come about until two decades after Taft's presidency, and while likely untrue, the story remains a popular tale told in the White House halls.

Nixon's "Plumbers" of Watergate

The White House's plumbing takes care of the unsavory waste of its occupants, and Nixon's White House Plumbers were founded to do the same thing with confidential information. While there are designated plumbers who work for the White House to maintain its plumbing, Nixon's Plumbers were an elite team of spies set to prevent intelligence leaks and collect intel to serve President Nixon's agendas.

Originally, the White House Plumbers were tasked with gathering information on the leaker of the Pentagon Papers, Daniel Ellsberg. The Plumbers continued stopping leaks like any top-notch squad of plumbers, but their leaks were of the informational variety. It was the White House Plumbers that bungled the Watergate incident and ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation and demise.

The plumbing of the White House has seen many great moments in history. Since they were first installed, the pipes, faucets, and bathtubs of the White House have become a piece of American history!

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company got its start with a dream to serve their neighbors with quality plumbing. Community is everything to the team at Apple Valley Plumbing Company. That's why they strive to offer reliable, affordable plumbing services to every client. Contact them to schedule plumbing service in Apple Valley, MN today!

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The Plumbing System Deserves a Few Resolutions

A Little Attention Goes a Long Way

A home’s plumbing system is its lifeblood. Without a plumbing system, the modern house would cease to exist. There wouldn’t be any more showers, and pretty much the entire kitchen would vanish; society’s version of a kitchen, at least. That is why homeowners should have their plumbing system routinely maintained. Regular maintenance is the only way to ensure the homeowner stays on top of their plumbing system when it starts to show signs of wear-and-tear.

Of course, there are a few things that homeowners should be aware of aside from professional maintenance. If homeowners remember these three things, it could save them thousands on repair costs. Continue reading for more information.

Regular Drain Cleaning Can Save Thousands in Repairs

Most people tend to opt out of drain cleaning a lot of the time. Many homeowners believe it is a waste of money or don’t have the extra cash to spend on the service.

However, what they don’t realize is that having their drains cleaned just once a year will save them in the end when it comes to the cost of repairs and damages to the home. Plumbing is a vital part of any home, so homeowners must take care of their plumbing system.

Keep An Eye Out for What Gets Flushed

Another point to make is to watch what gets flushed down the toilet, especially if there are little kids in the home. The piping system within the plumbing system is very narrow. It does not allow much room for anything besides toilet paper to go down the drain.

That said, here is a list of things that should never go down the drain, and if they do, it’s essential to have the drains cleaned right away:

Food scraps
Grease
Trash
Feminine care products
Diapers
Dental floss
Paper towels

Homeowners should even pay attention to how much toilet paper gets flushed as well. Excessive toilet paper can lead to plumbing issues just as much as anything else.

Watch Out for Signs of Leaks

If there are any signs of leakage, homeowners should call a professional as soon as possible. Leaks can quickly lead to water damage and flooding inside the home.

A few of the common signs of leaks are:

Water spots on the walls
The walls and floors feel wet
It sounds like water is running when it isn’t
Lingering smells in the home
Puddles of water under sinks or toilets

Another important signal is an increase in utility costs. Even the smallest leaks can account for gallons of wasted water each day, leading to extensive costs down the line. Most homeowners should have a good handle on their water usage, and any variation in that usage could be an easy to notice signal of a leak.

Apple Valley Plumbing Company Is There for Their Customers

There is no better time to maintain and care for a plumbing system than right now. Homeowners that haven’t had their plumbing properly maintained in a while could notice the benefits right away. For expert plumbing services, call the professionals at Apple Valley Plumbing Company. They work hard so homeowners don’t have to!