Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Plumbing inspections can save time and money.

Homeowners in Maplewood, Oakdale, Stillwater Mn have a professional Plumbing Company they can count on for all their Plumbing and Well Services needs. 

If you own a home or business you have probably came across a time when you were remodeling or purchasing new property. When doing your walk thru you probably noticed certain items being out of date. Carpeting cabinets etc. What about the plumbing? Did you notice the fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom areas? Maybe it was just a very dated look. Or in some cases especially with older
properties you noticed bathroom fixtures that were stained with rust or dripping continuously. If you are the property buyer you were probably thinking of replacing these plumbing fixtures all along and now that your the owner it's time to make that happen.

When this time has come what will you do? are you the do it yourself-er or are you going to hire a professional plumbing company? Well fortunately if you live in the NSP, Maplewood, Oakdale, Stillwater, Mn, area you can contact a professional company like Paul Vadnais Plumbing.

Problems like outdated fixtures or leaks you can visually see are easy to take note of and added to a list for repair or replacement. What about the issues below the surface or problems that are not visually accessible? In cases like this a complete inspection should be done. A professional plumber can see an issue and determine exactly where that problem stems from. A complete plumbing inspection can save you a lot of time and money over the long run.

For most do it yourself-er's replacing a faucet doesn't seem like that big of an issue. However once you tear into that replacement you may be in for more than you bargained for. A professional plumbing company will come to a job site with a truck completely stocked with the parts necessary to complete a job. If you are unaware of the diameter of a pipe for instance it may mean purchasing more than one part to cover yourself or making more than one trip back to the store to get the proper part you need. That is just one scenario where it pays to hire a professional plumber saving time.

Another reason to consider handing this job over to a professional, Plumbing contractors typically carry a wide range of fixtures like tubs, sinks, water heaters, have access to catalogs for dishwashers, disposals, and just aout any type of plumbing component you can think of. This is a time component. If you have time to run around to dozens of stores and look at dozens of products great. If not your local professional plumber should be able to walk you thru the most current line of products available to suite your needs.

Your local professional plumber is also licensed and trained to be able to spot issues that may not be important now but could possibly have an impact in the performance of your home or business water supply or drainage system. Have you heard of a friend or family member coming home to 2-3 feet of water in their basement because a sump pump system quit working?A reliable plumber can suggest back-up systems that can help to reduce issues such as this, and prevent a disaster in your home while you are away.

If you live in the Maplewood Mn. Stillwater Mn. Oakdale Mn. area and you are in need of a professional Plumbing Company contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing, a 4th Generation Plumbing Company


Paul Vadnais Plumbing
Saint Paul and Surrounding Suburbs
 651-429-8908
www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Professional Plumbing Companies, Hot Water Heaters, Leaky Pipes, Sink and Tub Replacement

Monday, October 12, 2015

Sewer Camera Inspections



One of the absolute worst places to need plumbing repairs is in the sewer line. That's the main outtake pipe that removes all the used wastewater  from your home and into your cities sewer system. When waste water starts backing up into your house, not only is it gross, it can mean you are probably in for a very difficult and expensive repair.


Typically your sewer pipe is solidly buried by several feet of dirt and pavement, it's almost impossible to diagnose what the problem is without a major excavation. Fortunately, one of the more popular plumbing services available is sewer inspection by camera, which allows technicians to discover and diagnose problems in your sewer pipe without having to dig it up first.  

Plumbers, Sewer Line Inspection, Plumbing Companies, Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn
Sewer Camera Inspections
If you suspect a sewer pipe problem or have been told you need an expensive repair done, trust us to give you an accurate assessment of your pipes with a video camera inspection. Having a video inspection done, will first show if a problem actually exists and what the scope of the problem is.

A flexible rod with a high-resolution color video camera on its tip is inserted into the pipe for inspection. Video images are transmitted to the camera operator and can be saved onto a videotape for a permanent record. Radio transmitters on the camera record the depth and physical location from the surface so that defects and obstructions can be corrected cost effectively.

Many different types of objects can get into your lines we have seen household items like towels and toys to roots from nearby trees which will indeed break right thru all types of material and create very difficult clogs that take extreme measures to clear. 

Having a plumber with a camera to inspect your sewer lines can be a most valuable tool. Just imagine knowing in advance what is causing your plumbing issue. This type of inspection can save you time and money and give you piece of mind that a problem is being addressed right the first time. 

Plumbers, Sewer Line Inspection, Plumbing Companies, Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn
Sewer Camera Inspection Equipment
The cost for a sewer line inspection can vary from Plumbing Company to Plumbing Company. The investment in the equipment can play a part in what a plumbing contractor has to charge for this service. A residential video sewer inspection can cost $100-$800, but averages about $250-$500, depending on the length of the pipes, local rates, if the inspection is being done in conjunction with other work or as a separate job, and whether the images are just sent to a monitor or are recorded for later viewing.  

Video sewer inspections are not typically included in a standard home inspection, and are usually ordered separately, if needed. Many experts recommend doing a video sewer inspection on a house built more than 25 years ago. Prior to 1984, many homes were constructed with clay sewer pipes, which are easily broken or crushed. A video sewer inspection may also be helpful if water is backing up inside the house or crawlspace, if there are large trees in the yard near the sewer or if the ground has moved or settled near the sewer line.

If you have a persistent clog and think it may be the result of a larger plumbing problem Paul Vadnais Plumbing has the tools and experience to get to the roof of your problem

Paul Vadnais Plumbing
307 Sargent Rd.
St. Paul, Mn 55090 
651-429-8908

Plumbers, Sewer Line Inspection, Plumbing Companies, Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn

Monday, September 28, 2015

Easily Unclog those nasty Clogs

Clogged sinks clogged drains? a clog is a clog thankfully most clogs are easy to resolve but from time to time you may need to rely on a professional plumber to remedy your situation.  

Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn, Water Heaters, Drain Clogs, Boilers, Tankless Water Heaters,
Clogged Drains Unclogged Fast
Try to steer clear of the liquid products on the market. I am not saying they are all bad  but they can cause corrosion with over use and create more problems down the road. 

90% of clogged toilets just require a plunger but it’s only when you don’t address it right away that it becomes a major issue.  Every home should own this simple tool because it can be used on shower drain clogs and sink clogs too.  Some other things to consider when unclogging a toilet is you might want to wear rubber gloves and have extra towels to clean up the mess.

How to know it’s clogged
A poor flush partially or completely will indicate there is a clog.  If the toilet bowl is completely full give 10 minutes for water level to drop before starting step 1.

Step 1:  Grab the plunger
First, place rubber flange in the toilet making a good seal on the toilet drain. Before you start plunging you will want to make sure there is enough water in the bowl so that it forces enough air to clear the clog.  You will want to start slow and then vigorously push the plunger in and out. This could take 15-20 times before the clog clears.  If it clears then you are good and just clean the mess. If not head to step 2 of the process

Step 2: Snake
It’s time to get out the snake. Never used one? Snakes are a great way to get deep into the plumbing system and can be used to clear many types of clog issues.   If you don’t own one they can be rented or call your local plumbing company to take care of the task.  Once you have the snake, push the cable down to the clog and then rotate clockwise, so the tip clears up the clog.

If all else fails the toilet probably needs to be pulled up to find the source of the clog. We recommend hiring an experienced plumber to take care of this issue.






Contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing, Licensed Professional Plumbers Serving The needs of Commercial and Residential Plumbing Customers.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing
Saint Paul, Mn Plumbers
651-429-8908

Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn, Water Heaters, Drain Clogs, Boilers, Tankless Water Heaters

Monday, September 21, 2015

Licensed Insured Professional Plumbers

Need a Plumber in North Saint Paul? Need to have a Hot Water Heater installed or repaired in Maplewood? Maybe you live in Stillwater and you need a Well serviced? you have a reliable licensed professional in, Paul Vadnais Plumbing.


Minnesota has a very strong regulatory body that trains licenses and ensures Plumbers for both Commercial and Residential customers uphold standards and practices in their businesses.

Who actually administrates the regulations for Plumbers in the State of Minnesota? The commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for administering the statewide plumbing code and licensing requirements, and also for taking punitive actions against plumbers who fail to meet licensing or installation requirements. This responsibility is carried out in the Plumbing Plan Review and Inspection unit with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Any Business that practices Plumbing must either be licensed or registered as an apprentice to legally practice plumbing in the state of Mn.

Each year a Plumber must pass regulated continuing educational courses featuring updated codes that make up Mn's plumbing requirements.

All master and journeyman plumbers must take 16 hours of approved CE (continuing education) in each two-year license period. Twelve hours must pertain to the State Plumbing Code and four hours must pertain to technical topics related to plumbing installations and equipment, the Minnesota State Building Code, or the Minnesota statutes governing plumbing work. No more than four hours can be taken online in each license period.

The laws are in place to ensure that consumers both residential and commercial have reliable professional resources to repair and replace their broken plumbing systems. Of course there are big differences in commercial and residential  water systems for supply and drainage but as you may suspect there are a lot of similarities as well.

In any case being able to properly diagnose, troubleshoot and repair issues related to water  supply and drainage systems takes a trained professional. Hiring a friend or unlicensed Plumber may expose you and your property to unknown issues down the road that may or may not be covered by insurance. It may be cheap now but may cost you big in the end.

If you are in need of a professional, licensed plumbing company contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing. We service the Plumbing needs of homes and businesses in the North Saint Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale, Woodbury, Stillwater and more communities.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing                                                                                                                  Licensed Bonded Insured Plumbing and Well Services                                                                         Saint Paul Mn                                                                                                                                     (651) 429-8908


Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, North Saint Paul Plumbers, Maplewood Mn Plumbers, Oakdale Mn Plumbers, Sewer Inspections, Leaky Pipes,  Sink Repair, Tub Repair, Commercial Plumbers, Residential Plumbers

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The first step in lowering costs due to damage is keeping an eye out for potential plumbing leaks



Will insurance cover water damage caused by leaky plumbing in my home?

Even if the leaking pipe is decades old, the claims adjuster tasked with investigating the leak is likely to determine that the incident was the result of "poor plumbing maintenance practices." In other words, they'll tell you that you should have prevented the leak by repairing or replacing the pipe before its condition became critical.

While it may be unreasonable to expect a homeowner to inspect each of the pipes in his or her house on a regular basis, the "maintenance excuse" is standard insurance-industry boilerplate. If your home sustains water damage due to a leak from a worn-down pipe, you may wish to forgo the claims process entirely and take steps to ensure that the problem doesn't happen again.

The first step in lowering costs due to water damage is keeping an eye out for potential plumbing leaks; the sooner you identify a water issue, the smaller its impact on drywall, flooring and fixtures, or mold

Leaking water can lead to mold
Mold in your home can cause symptoms such as
Plumbing, Plumbers, Hot Water Heaters, Leaky Pipes, Clogged Drains, Well Services, North Saint Paul Mn Plumbers, Maplewood Mn Plumbers, Oakdale Mn Plumbers, Stillwater Mn Plumbers, Mahtomedi Mn Plumbers, Hugo Mn Plumbers
Repair Leaky Pipes
  • Asthma
  • Sore eyes
  • Itchy skin
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
Another sign of hidden mold is a moldy smell. If the smell is worse in certain rooms then the mold is probably growing near that area.

Leaks are often hidden (for example inside wall cavities or in the attic). If a leak is undetected for a long time, it is very likely to cause mold. If you discover a leaky pipe then you should check for mold.

Help Prevent Water Damage with a Water Sensor System

Catastrophic floods may grab all the headlines, but more common water damage from plumbing systems end up costing homeowners, renters, and landlords billions of dollars every year1. Plumbing problems (including leaking or damaged tubs, toilets showers and burst pipes), leaky roofs, washing machines, water heaters and frozen pipes result in thousands of people of water damage insurance claims annually.

If you travel a lot an automatic water shutoff system may be a good investment. Automatic water shut-off systems provide your home or office with round-the-clock indoor flood protection and works with wired and wireless flood sensors, wall switches, and most home security and home automation systems.



There are many systems on the market today that get high marks for quality and safety. Your local licensed plumber should be able to help you determine a reliable and cost effective automatic shutoff system.

To sum up our article small plumbing leaks can turn into big issues over time. Take the time to periodically inspect the visible plumbing lines in your home or business. It is also a good idea to bring in a professional plumber if you sense there is a growing problem with excessive moisture or mold appearing on some surfaces that may be covering plumbing pipes.

Contact a professional in your area like Paul Vadnais Plumbing, serving the North Saint Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, Woodbury area for over 25 years.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing
307 Sargent Ave
St Paul Mn 55090
651-429-8908
 

Plumbing, Plumbers, Hot Water Heaters, Leaky Pipes, Clogged Drains, Well Services, North Saint Paul Mn Plumbers, Maplewood Mn Plumbers, Oakdale Mn Plumbers, Stillwater Mn Plumbers, Mahtomedi Mn Plumbers, Hugo Mn Plumbers

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Are you going to tackle a plumbing repair on your own?

Plumbers North Saint Paul, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposals, Dishwashers, Sump Pumps, Leaky Pipes, Plumbers Maplewood, Plumbers Oakdale Mn

 Many homeowners look at their sinks, tubs, pipes and other plumbing features and scratch their head as they contemplate tackling a plumbing repair or replacement of plumbing parts. Should I tackle this myself or should i contact a plumber?

Plumbers North Saint Paul, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposals, Dishwashers, Sump Pumps, Leaky Pipes, Plumbers Maplewood, Plumbers Oakdale Mn.
Professional Plumbing Services
Well of course it is probably always best to consult a professional plumber, it is very easy for a a small problem to develop into a large emergency with a twist on a partially rotted pipe or bad connector. If you are going to tackle a plumbing repair on your own it is really important to know where your main water shutoff valve is. Locating this shutoff valve is definitely step one in any process. It is like disconnecting the battery cables on your car before you start working on the engine.

Once you have located the primary and any secondary water shutoffs it is a bit safer to begin getting the feel for the task ahead of you. If you are concerned in any way about attempting a plumbing repair or replacing a plumbing fixture you are probably better off calling in a professional plumber.

If however you are trying to replace a sink or the innards of a toilet and you feel confident it is within your area expertise then proceed but as always proceed with caution. There are many channels both print and video, online and at the library that can walk you thru step by step during your project. Typically a manufacturer will include links to videos they have made specifically to show the proper removal of old plumbing fixtures and the installation of new fixtures.

Plumbers North Saint Paul, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposals, Dishwashers, Sump Pumps, Leaky Pipes, Plumbers Maplewood, Plumbers Oakdale Mn.
Plumbing Done Right


As a professional licensed plumber we can't tell you how many times we have been called by a homeowner that started a project got in over their heads and needed us to come and complete the job. If you find yourself in this situation do not be embarrassed. We may give you a light hearted jab, but we seriously want to make sure we help you complete the job and that everything is up to code no leaks no drips no tears.




Some projects homeowners can complete on their own may include (but again we don't encourage you to try if you have never tackled a plumbing issue in the past.

1. Shower Heads
2.Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets
3. Sump Pumps (these can be pretty involved depending on your home or business set up.)
4. Fall Water Shut Offs for external water sources.

Again we encourage you to enlist the services of a professional whenever you are attempting a potentially dangerious repair or replacement. Plumbers spend many hours in classrooms and years training as an apprentice before being licensed and allowed to practice their trade.

If you are in need of a licensed professional plumber in the North Saint Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale, Stillwater, Woodbury Mahtomedi area contact, Paul Vadnais Plumbing a 4th generation Plumbing and well Services company


Paul Vadnais Plumbing
307 Sargent Ave.
St Paul, Mn. 55090
651-429-8908
www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com

Plumbers North Saint Paul, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposals, Dishwashers, Sump Pumps, Leaky Pipes, Plumbers Maplewood, Plumbers Oakdale Mn.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Frozen pipes is one plumbing disaster that can be avoided

Plumbers North Saint Paul, Plumbing Maplewood, Well Services Stillwater Mn Water Heaters Oakdale Mn, Boilers, Leaky Pipes, Faucets, Bathtubs, Garbage Disposals, Sewer Cameras,

 Prepare your Plumbing Systems for winter!

It may still be summer her in Mn but as we all know when the state fair starts it is officially the beginning of the end. Don't get us wrong three is still plenty of time for great outdoor activities, but we know what September means here in Mn. Fall colors and eventually the holidays are right around the corner.

It''s never too soon to start preparing your plumbing and water systems for winter. Frozen pipes are a reality here in the upper Midwest and that can cause many other plumbing issues that can easily be avoided with a little preparation and advise from a professional plumber.

With the onset of winter coming and as temperatures drop it is important to take extra precautions in safeguarding a home’s plumbing system, because lets face it frozen water and pipes don’t mix. Here are some tips to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Insulation is the most effective way to prepare a plumbing system for winter. By insulating plumbing pipes that may be exposed to the elements, homeowners can reduce the likely hood of frozen pipes and reduce their energy costs over winter. Insulation is a lot more affordable then dealing with a plumbing disaster, such as a burst pipe in the living room!

When insulating pipes to prepare a plumbing system for winter it is a good idea to access the home for cracks. Check for cracks around the perimeter of the house. Cracks can allow for cold air to travel to other pipes that may need some insulation as well. Crawl spaces and attics should be checked. This will not only help keep plumbing systems safe from the cold, but also save energy in heating the home.

Plumbing pipes aren’t the only thing that may need insulation when preparing a plumbing system for winter. Water heaters can also benefit from a little insulation. When it gets cold and pipes and the water heater are exposed to cold air it reduces their efficiency. As heat escapes from uninsulated pipes, the water heater in turn has to work harder to produce more hot water. So by adding a little insulation the plumbing system is protected from freeze and works more efficiently. Saving money from not having to make expensive repairs and saving money on utilities is a great reason to take the steps to prepare a plumbing system for winter.




When a home isn’t occupied all year long this can create a problem for the plumbing system if not properly winterized. Say its a second home, an investment property, a home that is for sale, or a home that has been inherited, it needs to be properly winterized. To prepare a plumbing system for winter on a home that is vacant be sure to shut off the water at the main line and drain water from all pipes. Be sure to leave all faucets open and unplug all major appliances. Then proceed with insulating pipes.

Preparing a plumbing system for winter doesn’t have to be a huge task, and spending the money and taking the time or having it professionally done is well worth the investment in time and money. As a homeowner not only will you have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is prepared for winter, but also you can cut back on your energy consumption. Frozen pipes is one plumbing disaster that can be avoided, so be sure to winterize this year!



Contact a Professional Plumber like Paul Vadnais Plumbing to discuss your options and how to properly prepair for winter.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing
St Paul Mn
651-429-8908
651-231-0944

Plumbers, Plumbing, Well Services, Water Heaters, Boilers, Leaky Pipes, Faucets, Bathtubs, Garbage Disposals, Sewer Cameras


With the onset of winter already in full swing this winter is already off to a chilly start. Tomorrow marks the official start of winter, and we are inevitably heading into a cold one! As temperatures drop it is important to take extra precautions in safeguarding a home’s plumbing system, because lets face it frozen water and pipes don’t mix. Here are some tips to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Insulation is the most effective way to prepare a plumbing system for winter. By insulating plumbing pipes that may be exposed to the elements, homeowners can reduce the likely hood of frozen pipes and reduce their energy costs over winter. Insulation is a lot more affordable then dealing with a plumbing disaster, such as a burst pipe in the living room!

When insulating pipes to prepare a plumbing system for winter it is a good idea to access the home for cracks. Check for cracks around the perimeter of the house. Cracks can allow for cold air to travel to other pipes that may need some insulation as well. Crawl spaces and attics should be checked. This will not only help keep plumbing systems safe from the cold, but also save energy in heating the home.

Smock & Schonthaler Industrial Insulation, http://www.solarpipeinsulation.com/HTML/type2.html, 12/20/2013

Plumbing pipes aren’t the only thing that may need insulation when preparing a plumbing system for winter. Water heaters can also benefit from a little insulation. When it gets cold and pipes and the water heater are exposed to cold air it reduces their efficiency. As heat escapes from uninsulated pipes, the water heater in turn has to work harder to produce more hot water. So by adding a little insulation the plumbing system is protected from freeze and works more efficiently. Saving money from not having to make expensive repairs and saving money on utilities is a great reason to take the steps to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Home Owner Offers, http://goo.gl/Ae3vEF, 12/20/2013

When a home isn’t occupied all year long this can create a problem for the plumbing system if not properly winterized. Say its a second home, an investment property, a home that is for sale, or a home that has been inherited, it needs to be properly winterized. To prepare a plumbing system for winter on a home that is vacant be sure to shut off the water at the main line and drain water from all pipes. Be sure to leave all faucets open and unplug all major appliances. Then proceed with insulating pipes.

Preparing a plumbing system for winter doesn’t have to be a huge task, and spending the money and taking the time or having it professionally done is well worth the investment in time and money. As a homeowner not only will you have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is prepared for winter, but also you can cut back on your energy consumption. Frozen pipes is one plumbing disaster that can be avoided, so be sure to winterize this year!
- See more at: http://www.growplumbing.com/2013/12/20/dont-forget-to-winterize-preparing-a-plumbing-system-for-winter/#sthash.xpe1kNFG.dpuf
With the onset of winter already in full swing this winter is already off to a chilly start. Tomorrow marks the official start of winter, and we are inevitably heading into a cold one! As temperatures drop it is important to take extra precautions in safeguarding a home’s plumbing system, because lets face it frozen water and pipes don’t mix. Here are some tips to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Insulation is the most effective way to prepare a plumbing system for winter. By insulating plumbing pipes that may be exposed to the elements, homeowners can reduce the likely hood of frozen pipes and reduce their energy costs over winter. Insulation is a lot more affordable then dealing with a plumbing disaster, such as a burst pipe in the living room!

When insulating pipes to prepare a plumbing system for winter it is a good idea to access the home for cracks. Check for cracks around the perimeter of the house. Cracks can allow for cold air to travel to other pipes that may need some insulation as well. Crawl spaces and attics should be checked. This will not only help keep plumbing systems safe from the cold, but also save energy in heating the home.

Smock & Schonthaler Industrial Insulation, http://www.solarpipeinsulation.com/HTML/type2.html, 12/20/2013

Plumbing pipes aren’t the only thing that may need insulation when preparing a plumbing system for winter. Water heaters can also benefit from a little insulation. When it gets cold and pipes and the water heater are exposed to cold air it reduces their efficiency. As heat escapes from uninsulated pipes, the water heater in turn has to work harder to produce more hot water. So by adding a little insulation the plumbing system is protected from freeze and works more efficiently. Saving money from not having to make expensive repairs and saving money on utilities is a great reason to take the steps to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Home Owner Offers, http://goo.gl/Ae3vEF, 12/20/2013

When a home isn’t occupied all year long this can create a problem for the plumbing system if not properly winterized. Say its a second home, an investment property, a home that is for sale, or a home that has been inherited, it needs to be properly winterized. To prepare a plumbing system for winter on a home that is vacant be sure to shut off the water at the main line and drain water from all pipes. Be sure to leave all faucets open and unplug all major appliances. Then proceed with insulating pipes.

Preparing a plumbing system for winter doesn’t have to be a huge task, and spending the money and taking the time or having it professionally done is well worth the investment in time and money. As a homeowner not only will you have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is prepared for winter, but also you can cut back on your energy consumption. Frozen pipes is one plumbing disaster that can be avoided, so be sure to winterize this year!
- See more at: http://www.growplumbing.com/2013/12/20/dont-forget-to-winterize-preparing-a-plumbing-system-for-winter/#sthash.xpe1kNFG.dpuf
With the onset of winter already in full swing this winter is already off to a chilly start. Tomorrow marks the official start of winter, and we are inevitably heading into a cold one! As temperatures drop it is important to take extra precautions in safeguarding a home’s plumbing system, because lets face it frozen water and pipes don’t mix. Here are some tips to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Insulation is the most effective way to prepare a plumbing system for winter. By insulating plumbing pipes that may be exposed to the elements, homeowners can reduce the likely hood of frozen pipes and reduce their energy costs over winter. Insulation is a lot more affordable then dealing with a plumbing disaster, such as a burst pipe in the living room!

When insulating pipes to prepare a plumbing system for winter it is a good idea to access the home for cracks. Check for cracks around the perimeter of the house. Cracks can allow for cold air to travel to other pipes that may need some insulation as well. Crawl spaces and attics should be checked. This will not only help keep plumbing systems safe from the cold, but also save energy in heating the home.

Smock & Schonthaler Industrial Insulation, http://www.solarpipeinsulation.com/HTML/type2.html, 12/20/2013

Plumbing pipes aren’t the only thing that may need insulation when preparing a plumbing system for winter. Water heaters can also benefit from a little insulation. When it gets cold and pipes and the water heater are exposed to cold air it reduces their efficiency. As heat escapes from uninsulated pipes, the water heater in turn has to work harder to produce more hot water. So by adding a little insulation the plumbing system is protected from freeze and works more efficiently. Saving money from not having to make expensive repairs and saving money on utilities is a great reason to take the steps to prepare a plumbing system for winter.

Home Owner Offers, http://goo.gl/Ae3vEF, 12/20/2013

When a home isn’t occupied all year long this can create a problem for the plumbing system if not properly winterized. Say its a second home, an investment property, a home that is for sale, or a home that has been inherited, it needs to be properly winterized. To prepare a plumbing system for winter on a home that is vacant be sure to shut off the water at the main line and drain water from all pipes. Be sure to leave all faucets open and unplug all major appliances. Then proceed with insulating pipes.

Preparing a plumbing system for winter doesn’t have to be a huge task, and spending the money and taking the time or having it professionally done is well worth the investment in time and money. As a homeowner not only will you have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is prepared for winter, but also you can cut back on your energy consumption. Frozen pipes is one plumbing disaster that can be avoided, so be sure to winterize this year!
- See more at: http://www.growplumbing.com/2013/12/20/dont-forget-to-winterize-preparing-a-plumbing-system-for-winter/#sthash.xpe1kNFG.dpuf