Plumbing: Preventing Winter Plumbing Issues

Safeguarding your plumbing against the winter can save thousands on possible repair costs. Here are the four most common plumbing issues we run into, and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Under the sink

Many homes have the kitchen sink installed on the outside wall. While you get a lovely view, you also may get frozen water lines. Insulating your pipes is the first precaution you should take to prevent pipe freezes. Also, keep your cabinet doors open so warm air can flow inside, thus preventing pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes

During the winter, experts suggest over 1 million pipes freeze and burst. The No. 1 cause is a lack of insulation, but improper insulation can cause exposed pipes to freeze during the cold months.

Cold showers

An unexpected cold shower is a sure way to catch the flu. A lack of hot water in your water heater can be the result of one or two things: a faulty part or low temperature settings. While you can raise the temperature, replacing the part should be done by a professional Crosby MN plumber.

What to Do in a Plumbing Crisis

If you're having a plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is to ask yourself, "Do I need an emergency plumber?" There are many jobs that require an expert plumber, like a toilet backing up or a new pipe being installed, but then there are jobs that require an emergency plumber, like water running nonstop from a faucet or a toilet flooding your home.

Before contacting any plumber, the first thing to do is to turn off the water or the water line, if you can. Doing so will halt further water damage, and also stop the water flow. Once this is done, survey the area. If the problem was an overflowing toilet, you should be fine until the morning or next business day, so long as you don't flush.

However, if the crisis cannot be put off, be prepared before you contact an emergency plumber, and be ready to have information available and to answer questions. Try to identify the problems as closely as you can. The more specifics and details you provide, the better the plumber will be able to assist you by gauging the emergency and the cost of repairs.

If you don't have a preferred Crosby MN plumber, call several. This way, you can obtain several quotes, as there can be significant price differences. Ask for quote of the service call, as some may charge for just coming to your home, even if no work is done. Try to obtain an estimate for the total cost. Some will not want to give one over the phone, as they may rather assess the situation first. But, you might be able to get a rough estimate and get an idea of the price. 

Plumbing Tips

Have plumbing problems? Keep the following in mind when performing plumbing repairs:

• If you find your pipes are making a sound when you turn on the water, then you may need to add straps or somehow cushion them.
• When your water hammers, check for loose pipes.
• Prevent pipes from freezing by keeping a little bit of water running from the faucets.
• If your shower head is leaking, and you find the leak to be where the head meets the arm, replace the washer to alleviate the issue.
• Before trying to unclog a drain, check that the drains stopper is fully opening, and is free of hair and debris.

Having plumbing issues? Contact Nisswa MN plumbing experts Northern Air Plumbing & Heating at www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Tankless Water Heaters Facts

Not sold on tankless water heaters? Here are some facts to consider:

• A tankless water heater has no hot water storage, and saves a considerable amount on electricity and water costs
• They generate a nonstop, on demand supply of hot water
• Tankless heaters last at least 20 years, compared to 10 years for traditional models
• They are about the size of a suitcase and mount on the wall
• Most have a proven track record of success and are made in America

The Northern Air Plumbing & Heating staff is Aitkin County MN tankless water heaters experts. Learn more about our services at www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

More Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

Looking for answers about your tankless water heaters? Check out the list below:

Why does my tankless water heater exhaust have white smoke coming out of it?

When the exhaust temperature during cold weather is hotter than the air outside, the fumes condense in producing water vapor.

I opened the tap, but I don’t have any hot water. Why?

Make sure gas, water and electricity are connected. If so and you continue to have issues, contact a plumber.

It’s taking forever to get hot water. Why?

This is a function of the distance between the heater and the usage point. This wait is a pain, and wastes water and electricity. To rid yourself of issues, consider where the heater is placed or:

• Add a cold water line recirculating system to common points of use
• Use a recirculating line that keeps hot water flowing through a loop
• A small electric hot water tank that contains only a few gallons

Northern Air Plumbing and Heating knows tankless water heaters. We are an Aitkin County MN tankless water heaters contractor. Contact us today by visiting www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

Here are some common tankless water heaters questions:

What is a tankless water heater?

Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless ones only heat water as demand, thereby supplying a continuous flow of a hot water.

Can it be installed in the same place as my old water heater?

Yes. They are compact and easy to install, and can be placed into a utility room, garage, basement or other room. They are mounted onto a wall to avoid taking up useful space.

Do they have lower operation costs?

Most have an Energy Factor of .82, while tank water heaters have a .65 EF. A higher EF is one reason why tankless ones cost much less to operate.

Do they work well with hard water?

It’s recommended hard water be softened or filtered, as lime scale can build up in lines with hard water.

Can they be installed in a mobile or manufactured home?

Unfortunately, most can’t and if they are, the warranty tends to be avoided.

Brainerd MN plumber Northern Air Plumbing & Heating can assist you with your plumbing needs. Contact them now by visiting www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Plumbing FAQ

 Here are some of the more common questions we get about plumbing:

Can’t I just fix my leaky faucet or clogged drain?

Even though the issue might be seem like an easy fix, you may not know everything a plumber does. Plumbers are expert craftsmen at installing and repairing pipes and other plumbing fixtures. They can diagnose and solve all problems related to your water systems.

Isn’t it just better if I install a new sink, toilet or fixture?

There’s no doubt many homeowners are more than capable of handling these jobs. You can even receive instructions from some of the bigger chain stores. For the bigger projects, however, you should have it handled by a professional plumber. You don’t want to wind up stuck in the middle of a bathtub or shower installation.

What can I do about low water pressure?

The loss of pressure could be caused by several things: a malfunctioning shut-off valve, crimped water line or deposits in older pipes. If it’s just you and not your neighbors, it’s probably between the water meter and your house. A qualified plumber will be able to find the problem and inform you about your options.

How do I tell if my toilet is leaking?

Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Check the bowl in a few minutes, and if you see the color, then you have a leak.

What’s the best way to unclog my garbage disposal?

Be very careful when attempting to unjam the disposal. Insert into the bottom of the disposal an Allen wrench and crank it to free up the jam. If this doesn’t work, then call a professional plumber to figure out the problem.

Brainerd MN plumber Northern Air Plumbing & Heating can help you with all your plumbing needs. Get in contact with them today by visiting www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com.