Bathroom Plumbing Water conservation tips.

Arguably water is one of our most precious resources. And when it comes to conserving water very few of us think of the importance for the future generations to have reliable clean water resources. The first line of defense is in your own home. Kitchens, Bathrooms, Laundry Plumbing systems are all utilizing water every day. There are ways to reduce water usage in these areas and they are pretty simple. 

Turn off the water Are you one of those that turns on a faucet and leaves the water running while you brush your teeth. This is something we all do in the morning part of our routine. And once you add up all the family members in a home as ink that is running constantly can add up to many gallons of water simply running down the drain. After you wet your toothbrush, turn the faucet off and see what a difference it makes in your water usage

Men be smart while shaving Once again here is an area we can all conserve. While shaving isn’t a daily activity, (for some of us) it is important to keep an eye on the faucet. If you leave a faucet open and running while shaving the amount of water wasted can again add up to gallons. This will waste water and increase your water bill considerably. If you tend to let the water run while you shave in the morning, consider filling a bowl with water and using that to shave with instead.

Showers vs. Baths.  Soaking in the bathtub after a long day is a great way to reduce stress and relax. But baths use considerably more water than a shower. You can test this by closing the drain the next time you shower. You may be surprised how little water a shower can consume.

Plumbing and Water Conservation

Replace your toilet As part of a good and healthy water conservation routine replacing old appliances like toilets and making sure you have up to date plumbing systems like repairing leaks under sinks and making sure your tub and showers have water efficient heads on them. These can be simple ways to reduce water usage in your home.

Call a plumber Having a local plumber you can trust to assess any situations that may be contributing to an increase in your family’s water bills will give you a piece of mind that you’re doing everything possible to make certain our future generations have the reliable and plentiful water source for years to come.

For professional plumbing services in the Maplewood MN.North Saint Paul MN. Stillwater MN. area contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing. 4thgeneration plumbers that get the job done right the first time.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing

Saint Paul and Surrounding Suburbs

651-429-8908

www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Plumbers Maplewood MN, Plumbers Oakdale MN, Plumbers Stillwater MN.

Plumbing in homes and businesses involve more than just sinks toilets and leaky pipes

There are many water supply and drain systems in your home that you may not even consider and a Professional Plumber can help repair or install all of them. 

When you have a leaky pipe you call a plumber if your bathtub doesn’t drain you call a plumber but what if you have a dishwasher issue or a hot tub issue? Sure you can call an appliance repair man (or woman) but even they are going to have to have a basic working knowledge of plumbing systems.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing-Dishwasher Installation

\Water supply and drainage is critical to the proper continuous operation of many appliances in your home. From your ice maker to you dishwasher, these appliances depend on the ability to draw and drain properly. This ebb and flow guarantee you enjoy a long life from your appliances as well as some health and safety features.

From a health standpoint appliances that don’t drain properly can create mold and mildew buildup. Mold is a hazard that can affect your family’s health.  Mold can build up quickly near clogged or leaky drainage systems. Anytime water can be left to stand still for a period of time there is a risk of buildup of this dangerous fungus.

Indoor Jacuzzi tubs, Dishwashers Refrigerator Freezers, most homes or businesses have some type of these appliances. Some minor maintenance and visual inspections can reduce the chances of more major issues down the road.

If you are installing a new dishwasher it is best to consult a professional. Making a secure connection on the supply side is important to reduce the risk of leakage. When it comes to the drain side, in a dishwasher there is typically a drain tray located near the back. A visual inspection can easily determine if there is debri blocking the drainage. Clear this debri regularly for proper drainage.

Jacuzzi tubs rely on pressure jets to blast that powerful water. Sometimes these jets can get a little clogged and are easily cleaned with a recommended cleaning solution and a little elbow grease. If you have a hard water issue it may leave calcified deposits in the jets over time and reduce the pressure of water released.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing Jacuzzi Tub Installation

A Professional plumber can be contacted if some of these problems arise and create a concern. If it looks like just clearing some debris is not doing the trick there may be a bigger problem somewhere along the plumbing system that may need to be addressed. These are some basic situations that arise daily with home and business owners.

Having a reliable plumbing company in your area that will respond to your calls in a timely manner and offer their best and honest advice will give you piece of mind and help you sleep better at night. A professional plumber can be there for the smallest of issues or the largest of tragedies.

If you need a plumber in the Maplewood, Oakdale, Stillwater, Hugo North Saint Paul area contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing 4^th generation Plumbers tat get the job done right.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing

St Paul and Surrounding Suburbs

651-429-8908

www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com

  

Plumbers, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Stillwater Mn. Plumbing Companies

Copper VS PVC Plumbing Systems

Have you recently consulted a professional plumber about a plumbing leak in your home or business? Most likely that plumber has assessed the issue and offered up a solution. That solution can include a couple different choices in material that may affect the overall cost of completing the job.

In the Plumbing Business there are two main types of material in use today to supply and drain water from your home or business. Copper Piping and PVC Piping, these two are both well accepted and often used in these circumstances. There are some differences in these types of material, and although cost may be a factor depending on your budget there may be some other considerations as well.

Let’s have a quick look at these two types of materials and what makes the so different.

First off is Copper.  Copper is a metallic element making it commonly used for water piping among other things. It is light and strong and often used for corrosion-resistant parts. There are several

reasons to prefer copper for plumbing piping. Copper pipes are durable for the long-term with non-acidic systems. Copper is bacteria resistant, very fire resistant, and earthquake tolerant. It can be incredibly flexible and bent around joints. Copper piping also has a small internal diameter, much smaller than CPVC, which lets it fit in smaller, tighter places.

Copper Downsides.  There are downsides to copper piping. Some people report metallic tasting water with their copper pipes. If the water is acidic, pinholes can form, causing plumbing leaks. Copper piping installation isn’t something to undertake casually however; it is labor intensive to install and requires a skilled plumber. It also is more expensive than CPVC.

PVC Piping. The main positive about PVC piping is it’s resistance to corrosion. It is easy to install, and is viable for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. It is also less expensive.

PVC Downsides. Some people may complain of a plastic taste to their water. The piping is also brittle during installation and if you are not a professional plumber you may break or bend the piping causing water restriction and reducing water pressure delivered to your home.

In the end it is up to you and your experience or the experience and recommendations of your plumbing contractor to decide which route will be best for your situation. As a side note if there are issues with tasting metallic or plastic yin your water adding a quality filtration system while performing the replacement of your current plumbing system is a wise option. But filtration systems can be covered in more detail at a later date.

Contacting a professional licensed plumber in your area is the safest way to determine which system plastic or copper will be the right for your needs. 

If you live in the Maplewood, MN. Oakdale, MN. Stillwater, MN. NorthSaint Paul, MN. Area contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing a 4th generationplumbing company with the experience to get the job done.

 

Paul Vadnais Plumbing

Saint Paul and Surrounding Suburbs

Professional Licensed Bonded Plumbing and Well Services

651-429-8908

www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com

The Potential of Lead in your Plumbing System

Homeowners in Maplewood, North Saint Paul Stillwater and Oakdale  MN. Should be aware of their homes plumbing systems and their potential for lead exposure.

Lead pipes and lead solder were the standard back in the day. But we all know that exposure to excessive lead particles can lead to many debilitating diseases. According to information supplied by the Mayo Clinic Lead poisoning can severely affect mental and physical development in children. 

Adults that work with or have exposure risks to lead also have health issues they should be concerned about. These may include but not be limited to, Anemia, Fatigue / Irritability, Peripheral neuropathy, Seizures, Hypertension and many more potential issues.

Lead may have it’s place in industrial productions batteries etc. but when it comes to your drinking and bathing water it may be soon realized that no amount of lead exposure is safe.

Some sources of lead that we have researched may surprise you. We have all heard that lead paint as it chipped and fell on the floor may have been a source of poisoning. But in further looking into the subject we found that Lead in older bathtubs is a big issue—and yet usually overlooked as a potential source of toxicity for children. 

Both porcelain and enamel coatings can have extremely high levels of lead. 75% of pre-1978 bathtubs have lead in their glaze and that about 40% of these tubs will have measurable levels of lead dust when dust samples are collected from the surface of the glaze. 

Now imagine your toddler in a tub with a lead base. They splash and play and put toys in their mouths and washrags in their mouths. Those items are basically soaking in a lead broth. There are many studies on this topic that can be researched. 

There are a few more places lead can leach into a home or business water supply; pipes, solders fittings etc.

Fortunately this issue has been known for years and these hazardous materials have been phased out of the building process. Lead plumbing pipes solder and fittings have been replaced with low voc (volatile organic compound) pvc, copper and other materials to keep your water supply safe. 

If you have an older home built before the mid 1960’s and you are concerned about potential lead issues you can contact a professional licensed plumber like Paul Vadnais Plumbing. They can determine the materials that are responsible for delivering fresh water into your home or business. Once this is determined they can give you an idea of what it may cost to replace or repair any plumbing issues you may have.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing                                                                                                                          St. Paul, Mn. and Surrounding areas

Plumbing Contractors                                                                                                         651-429-8908                                                                                          www.paulvadnaisplumbing.com

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Water Filters, Hot Water Heaters, Plumbing Leaks, Sinks, Faucets, Toilets, Bathtubs

Does your home rely on a Sump Pump?

It’s that time of year to examine your sump pump and decide whether or not it needs replacing.

What is a sump pump? A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level Since the pump lives in the basement, it may be “out of sight, out of mind” for most homeowners, but it's important to ensure that your sump pump system always functioning in peak condition so that you don't risk an inopportune breakdown. Read on to learn when you need to replace your sump pump.

Avoiding a Flood at All Costs

Sump Pump Professionals

Flooding can be one of the biggest headaches that can befall a homeowner. Dirty water can destroy upholstery and woodwork, and even cause hazardous mold, mildew and rot over the life of your home. That's why a properly functioning sump pump is essential. A properlyoperating pump will work tirelessly to remove water before it can inundate your home. The pumps work by sucking water out of a water catch basin, a special pit found in many basements, which collects water from outdoor drains and sends it to an area away from the home's foundation.

Following are essential tips to avoid having to replace a sump pump in an emergency:

• Sounds: Get to know the hum of your sump pump when water starts collecting in the water basin. If the noise coming from the pump changes significantly, it could be a sign the pump is struggling. And if you see water in the basin but don't hear anything at all, your pump may have failed and replacement is necessary.
• Watch: If water starts to reach the top of the sump, or worse, is already flooding your basement, you need to have the pump repaired or replaced immediately.
• Count: Sump pumps that are more than ten years old are also prime candidates for replacement. You don't have to automatically buy a new unit just because yours is getting old, but it's a good idea to keep a close watch on it and install a replacement at the first sign of decreased performance. A sump pump is definitely the kind of equipment which is better to upgrade a year too early than a year too late.

Tailor Your Sump Pump to Your Household Plumbing

When you need to replace your old sump pump, you may be overwhelmed with all the options at your disposal – pumps of various powers and capacities, pedestal pumps vs. submersible pumps, and different battery backup options for your sump pump system in case you have a power outage. When you have questions, talk to a home services professional who is familiar with your household plumbing and can assist you in picking out the model that works best for you.

If you need help replacing a sump pump or need assistance with any other aspect of your household pumping, get in touch with a licensed plumber like Paul Vadnais Plumbing today. You need a Plumber that is licensed and experienced. 

Paul Vadnais Plumbing

651-429-8908

Professional Licensed Plumbers

www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com 

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Plumbers White Bear Lake Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn