With summer block parties and BBQs at an all-time high, you’re going to be using your garbage disposal a lot! It might seem like there is an endless pit consuming the food you grind down, but sadly this is not the case. Just like most appliances in your kitchen, your garbage disposal can only take so much use. 

Your sink disposal has a limit — even without a set capacity — and once it reaches that limit it will begin to become less powerful while grinding food waste. The blades will wear and dull, but to prevent clogs and damage do not put fibrous or hard-to-grind items like:

• Banana peels

• Corn husks

• Bones

• Coffee grounds 

• Potato peels

• And more

  If you never empty the garbage disposal, it can begin to clog and cause other problems which puts a damper on your summer fun. However, do not fret because Abel Plumbing is here to help! We offer drain cleaning services in the Buffalo area, so if you need a backed-up drain or are seeking preventative drain maintenance our plumbers have the experience and the instruments to meet your drain cleaning needs!

Reach out to us here or give us a call at (763)-682-4105.

Summer vacations are in full swing, and while you may be taking a day off, your traditional water heater is not. Even when you’re not home, your traditional water heater is making sure it has a tank full of hot water ready. Which you can imagine takes a bit of energy and money.

While a traditional water heater can be more affordable initially, the cost savings can add up. According to the US Department of Energy, homes with tankless water heaters can see energy saves of up to 34%. Check out these other advantages of a tankless water heater to decide if it could be a good option for your home.

Traditional Water Heater: a traditional water heater keeps a ready supply of hot water from 20 to 80 gallons depending on the size of the tank.When you turn on the hot water tap the tank releases hot water from the top and then feeds cold water into the bottom of the tank. The cold water then slowly heats up to the set temperature and is kept at that temperature until there is more demand.

Tankless Water Heater: as implied, a tankless water heater works without the use of a storage tank. When you turn on hot water, the system draws cold water into the heater and warms it up to the desired temperature. This offers benefits like:

• Reduced energy consumption, lowering bills

• An endless supply of hot water

• Reduced water waste

• Longer lifespan

Is a tankless water heater right for you? While the best person to help you make this decision is an experienced plumber, you can ask yourself the following questions to help you come to a decision.

• Are long-term savings my top priority? A tankless water heater will have long-term savings and can balance out the higher upfront costs.

• Am I short on cash right now? A traditional tank water heater is a cheaper upfront option.

• Are energy savings a top priority? A tankless water heater is designed to eliminate the need to continuously work (use energy) to keep water heated.

If you need a water heater replacement, Abel Plumbing will review your home and family needs and recommend the best water heater replacement system for you. And we’ll get it installed promptly! Reach out to us here or give us a call at (763)-682-4105.

In our modern world, dishwashers are a simple and convenient part of our lives. And if you’re anything like me, pre-rinsing dishes before they go in the dishwasher is almost non-existent. So have you ever wondered where those extra food scraps go? Surely they don’t just disappear. 

We take having a working dishwasher for granted until it doesn’t work all of a sudden. Dishwashers accumulate plenty, such as food, paper, and other scraps which can create clogs and cause backup over time.

Stay with us if you would like to learn where those scraps end up and what you can do if you suspect your dishwasher is clogged. 

Reasons you’re experiencing a dishwasher clog and what to do.

• Clogged filter basket: The filter basket is a part of the drain that prevents scraps of food and other items from entering the pipes. This basket needs to be cleaned regularly so it doesn’t become backed up.
  In most cases, it’s a matter of getting a good grip on the filter and turning it counterclockwise to remove it- look for any food particles or buildup that may be preventing drainage and clean it out.

• Clogged drains: If you are experiencing more than one clogged drain in your home, this may be a sign that you have a more serious clog that has nothing to do with your dishwasher.
  We suggest chatting with your local professional plumber to diagnose the problem.

• Clogged drain hose: Your dishwasher drains through a hose that can be connected to your kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal. This drain hose can accumulate build-up and cause clogs.
  We suggest cleaning your dishwasher drain pipe to eliminate the clog. If you do have a garbage disposal, it can also help to run the disposal before starting your dishwasher.

• Additional dishwasher tips: 

  • If you see signs of mold or mildew in your dishwasher, pour a cup of bleach into a dishwasher safe container, place it in the bottom rack, and then run a full cycle. Do not do this if the interior of your dishwasher is stainless steel, and never mix bleach with vinegar or baking soda.

  • Surprisingly enough, a bit of grease or food on your dishes is good to have for proper reaction with dish soap. So you don’t want to completely clean your dishes before you load them.

  • To save water and energy, only run your dishwasher when it is full.

We hope this comes in handy next time you have a plumbing emergency. For more useful information, head to our Abel Plumbing Blog! If you are having water pressure issues reach out to us at (763)-682-4105.

One of the most important developments of the modern age was the network of pipes that make up your sewage system. The sewer system provides sanitation and convenience, but it can also cause a lot of stress when your sewer pipes back up. Read on to find out more about video pipe inspection and how it benefits your sewer line.

Here’s How It Works

If you notice that your drains are moving slowly or if there is backup coming up through the drains, call a plumber for an inspection before finding a suitable solution. A video pipe inspection will help you narrow in on the problem so that a plumber can recommend the right course of repair or drain cleaning.

Video pipe inspection uses a small camera attached to the end of a cable. The cable is lowered into the drain pipe like an auger, and it can give you and your plumber a 360° view of the problem. Your plumber views the problem via a live stream, and a skilled professional will be able to see the precise source and location of the leak or clog.

What You Can See from a Pipe Inspection

After a video pipe inspection, you may be surprised to hear the problem isn’t quite what you thought. There are many reasons you may be experiencing issues with your drainage.

• Fats, oils, and grease – A buildup of greasy residue can do a number on your pipes, slowing the flow of wastewater and potentially creating some backup.

• Cracks in the pipes – You might be surprised to learn that leaks and cracks in the sewer line can actually cause a backup.

• Tree root infiltration – Tree roots naturally grow towards sources of water, making your sewer lines an excellent target. They can wrap around the sewer pipes and pierce them, filling up the sewer lines until they are completely blocked up.

Sewer Pipe Inspection Before and After

Another great benefit of video camera pipe inspection is that you can get a view of the pipes after they are cleaned or repaired as well. That way, you’ll know if the problem is taken care of, or if additional action should be taken. All in all, you’ll have to trust this service to a trained plumber.

Abel Plumbing provides sewer pipe inspections and sewer repairs in Buffalo, MN, and surrounding areas. Reach out to us today!

If you get your water from the municipal supply it goes through a treatment process before it reaches your home. This includes steps like chlorination to help sterilize the water. Which to some people, these steps mean you can trust the water right from your kitchen sink. Others, wary of drinking water that comes from the city’s pipes, use filtered pitchers, or refrigerator filters to get clean water.

An option that has been gaining popularity is a whole-house water treatment system. Keep reading to find out if this type of system fits your home, and why you might decide to have all of the water in your home treated by a professionally installed system.

Signs your water quality is suffering.

Poor water quality may be obvious or subtle… look for these signs when you want to know if water treatment is urgent:

• Foul odors

• Poor taste

• Discoloration

• Visible impurities

Keep in mind that rusty flakes in the water are likely a sign of problems within your pipes rather than problems with the water.

When to schedule water testing.

We strongly recommend scheduling a water test, especially if you have never had one done during the course of your homeownership. Even if you’re using a filtered pitcher or refrigerator, the quality of your water you use for showering, brushing your teeth, and cleaning your clothes should also be clean. 

Why you might need a water softener

A water softener isn’t necessarily installed for your health, but more so for your home. If you have hard water in your home, you might notice these symptoms:

• Water spots on dishes

• Hair feels rough or sticky

• Buildup around faucets and drains

The big issue can be the buildup around your faucet and drains. This is an indication you have build up in your pipes, reducing volume and requiring premature replacement.

Why you might need a water purifier

If you suspect poor water quality or if your water testing reveals impurities, you’ll want a different kind of solution. A water purifier kills off germs like bacteria as they pass through the pipes, making your water safer to drink. A reverse osmosis system uses a thin membrane to filter out nearly everything but pure water. 

Abel Plumbing installs and services water treatment systems in Buffalo, MN, and the surrounding areas. We would be happy to answer your questions about water softeners and purifiers to help determine which option would be best for your home.

Have you ever noticed white chalky spots around the faucets or drains that are difficult to clean? What about soap scum that builds up in the bathtub a little too quickly? This is likely the result of hard water, a problem affecting the plumbing supplies of many people in our area.

What Is Hard Water?

It turns out that most water supplies—about 85% of water supplies throughout the country—have a high mineral content. This is called hard water, an excess of minerals like calcium and magnesium. And these deposits get left behind in pipes, around fixtures, and in appliances like your water heater. This is called scaling.

How Does Hard Water Affect Your Plumbing?

Hard water is not typically harmful to your health. However, your plumbing system is at risk, since scaling can do permanent damage. In a water heater tank, for example, the mineral deposits can wear away the lining of the tank and speed up the rate of corrosion. Sediment can block the intake pipe for a washing machine, and it can even damage your coffee maker.

The biggest risk is to your pipes. Scaling within the pipes can cause a thick layer of buildup that does not allow for water to flow through the pipes. That means reduced water pressure and, eventually, the early demise of your pipes.

What you can do…

Hard water cannot be solved with a pitcher you keep in the fridge or a filter on your faucet—because the problem is within the pipes. The best solution is a whole-house water softener. This type of system replaces hard water minerals with salt, which you will need to refill every once in a while.

Abel Plumbing offers Water Softener and Water Conditioning Services to the Twin Cities Western Metro Area. Read more about the benefits of a water softener here.

Abel Plumbing is proud to employ plumbers who are passionate about their work. Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in plumbing? Keep reading below to see what it takes to become a certified journeyman plumber in Minnesota.

Getting Certified

The definition of a Journeyman plumber is “an individual, other than a master plumber, who, as a principal occupation, is engaged as an employee of, or is otherwise working under the direction of, a master plumber in the practical installation of plumbing. This license authorizes the individual to work statewide, for both interior plumbing and exterior water service, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems within the property lines.” 

The state of Minnesota requires anyone looking to pursue a career in plumbing to be certified. This helps ensure that plumbing services meet certain standards. To take the exam and become certified as a Journeyman Plumber you must:

• Hold a current apprentice plumber registration card.

• Hold a current Minnesota restricted journeyman plumber license or restricted master plumber license that has been held for a minimum of two years.

• Have documented 7000 hours of practical experience over the last four years.

• Practical plumbing experience for an apprentice must include the following:

  • Water distribution system installation- 2,000 hours.

  • Drain, waste, and vent system installation- 2,000 hours

  • Fixture installation- 1,000 hours

If you are currently licensed as a Journeyman Plumber in another state:

• The licensing jurisdiction must require a minimum of four years of practical plumbing experience and examination.

•  A copy of the current license and a copy of that state’s licensing laws for plumbers must be submitted with the application.

If you would like to become licensed you can obtain an application form for the Minnesota plumbers license exam on the website of The Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry.

Continuing Education

The plumbing world is always changing as new technological advancements change the way buildings are being constructed. To stay up to date with plumbing codes, Minnesota requires 16 hours of continuing education for journeyman plumbers. Twelve hours will focus on state plumbing codes and the remainder of the hours will review plumbing installation and equipment. Along with continuing education, a Minnesota plumber must renew their license every two years.

Abel Plumbing is Hiring

Our company is growing, and we are currently seeking an experienced full-time Journeyman Plumber to join our team! We are a full-service plumbing company that offers a lot of variety on the job! From Residential New Construction, Remodeling, Service, Light Commercial, and Water Conditioning. We are located in Buffalo and most of our work is in the Northwest Metro Area. Check out our benefits, and requirements for the position here.

Join Our Team as a Journeyman Plumber!

Do I have a clogged sewer line?

If your sewer line is stopped, all of your sewage and waste water will start to build up. If left unchecked, that clogged sewer line will lead to the nightmare of plumbing backflow, where that offensive water will come gurgling up through your sinks, showers, and toilets.

Look for the following three warning signs of an obstructed sewer:

1. Strong odors

2. Water bubbling up

3. At least two malfunctioning drains

When do I need pipe installation or repair?

Homeowners often discover they have a piping issue when they receive an unusually high water bill. Other signs you may have leaking pipes include a steady hissing or dripping sound that appears to be coming from behind the drywall in your walls or ceiling.

According to the EPA, fixture and piping leaks result in over 10,000 gallons of water wasted annually in the average home.

What are the benefits of tankless water heaters?

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters operate by supplying heated water only when it’s needed. Benefits of tankless water heaters include:

1. Lower energy bills

2. Cleaner water

3. Increased energy efficiency

4. Longer lasting units

What causes low water pressure?

Many homes to suffer from low water pressure. This can be annoying, especially when you are trying to fill the bathtub, clean the dishes, or wash your hair.

When one or more of your home's fixtures is experiencing low pressure, there may be multiple reasons for the problem. When the low pressure is only at one faucet, it is wise to check and see if the supply valve is fully open (it should be!). If this is not the problem, you should check for kinks or cracks in the pipes. If your bathroom's shower has low pressure, the shower head may be blocked.

When all your fixtures have low water pressure, more severe issues may be present. Your pipes may be corroded or there may be problems with the municipal water flow.

To find a plumber in or around Buffalo, MN … well, you’ve already done the hard work, because you’re on the website for the right people to call! Abel Plumbing’s values are based on reliability, excellent communication, integrity, and quality work! We are a full-service plumbing company that offers solutions for every type of issue – from common clogs to a New Construction Home. All estimates are free!

As a true Minnesotan may say, we really haven’t had that harsh of a winter yet! But, we all know there is a while to go until spring showers. The cold can bring homeowners many issues, including frozen pipes. Below are some tips on how to avoid frozen pipes and what to do if you find a frozen pipe. 

Avoiding Frozen Pipes

• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain a higher temperature in these areas. 

• Check around your home for areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Both hot and cold water pipes in unheated areas should be insulated.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

How to Thaw Frozen pipes

We suggest contacting us if you suspect a frozen pipe in your home. For the DIYers out there, follow the steps below:

• Frozen pipes are usually located against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• If you find a frozen pipe, apply heat to the section using an electric heating pad, hairdryer, or a portable space heater.

• Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, or if you can’t thaw the pipe, give Abel Plumbing a call.

• Check all other faucets in your home, if one pipe freezes, others may freeze too.

We hope the Minnesota winter is nice to your home. If you come across any issues, we are happy to chat with you about options. We strongly believe in providing our absolute best in all of our projects, we will always keep you educated on your particular task or project.

A backed-up drain is more than just an inconvenience; it can be both a sign of a larger problem with your plumbing and a cause of leaks, bad orders, and other frustrating issues. It’s important to take care of drain issues promptly to avoid having a small problem potentially turn into something larger and more expensive to fix.

Our Buffalo drain cleaning services are the right remedy for:

• Kitchen and bathroom sinks

• Tub and shower drains

• Laundry drains

• Toilets

• Floor drains

• Sewer lines

DIY maintenance for clean drains:

Many drain clogs are preventable with the right care. Here are some tips to keep your drains flowing freely:

• Install an inexpensive hair trap over your shower and tub drains

• Never pour cooking oil or grease down your sink

• Avoid flushing trash down the toilet - that includes so-called “flushable” wipes!

• Be careful what you put in your garbage disposal - avoid things like coffee grounds, bones, pits, fibrous vegetables, eggshells, and large quantities of pasta or rice

• Periodically rinse out your drains with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water

Here in the Buffalo area, you can count on Abel Plumbing Company for outstanding drain cleaning services. Whether you have a backed-up drain or are seeking preventive drain cleaning services as part of your routine plumbing maintenance checklist, our experienced plumbers have the tools and expertise to meet your needs. Reach out here!

If you are having a problem with your sewer line, Abel Plumbing can pinpoint the issue quickly and accurately with our new service- video camera inspections! Don’t wait until the issue gets worse.

With our locating service, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing exactly where the problem is and what's causing your sewer or drain issue. Our video inspections have recording capability.

To begin your sewer camera inspection, one of our skilled plumbers inserts a rod with a high-resolution video camera on its tip into your sewer or drain lines. These high-tech drain cameras are flexible, allowing them to travel through twists and turns in sewer lines and thoroughly examine pipes and pipe walls in drain lines from 2 inches to 12 inches in diameter.

The video footage is transmitted to our plumbers in real time, and the condition inside your sewer and drain lines will be assessed immediately. You’ll be able to view any problems right on our screen.

Contact Abel Plumbing today for your sewer line video inspection! Call our office at 763-682-4105 or online!

Did you know that your softener salt has more than one use? Yep, we’re talking about those big bags that you have to lug around to keep your home’s water suitable. Since you already have the bags, here are some other great and effective uses that may make your life a little easier. 

Salt is one of the most plentiful minerals on the planet and has several characteristics that make it very useful to us such as...

Icemelt.

Minnesota is bound to bring icy sidewalks! By spreading salt over ice, the freezing temperature of the water will lower and therefore the ice will turn back into the water. Remember the salt will eventually dissolve and seep into the ground, so be aware of any plants, flowers, trees or anything that could be harmed by salty water as you spread.

Weed Killer.

On the other hand, water softener salt works great for eliminating weeds and unwanted grass. For large patches of weeds, combine one cup of water softener salt to one gallon of hot water and pour over the weed patch. You should notice a change in the weeds after a day. Re-apply the salt solution every few days until the weeds are gone!

Candles.

You can stop your new candles from dripping by first soaking them in half a cup of water and half a cup of salt for 4 hours. Let the candles dry, and then burn them as usual.

Plaster.

Has your wall plaster dried out? Mix two tablespoons salt and two tablespoons cornstarch, then add about five teaspoons water to make a thick paste. The plaster can be used to fill nail holes, chips, or other holes in sheetrock and plaster. Apply the paste, let it dry, and then sand lightly and paint.

Rust Removal.

If rust develops, clean it away by making a paste of six tablespoons salt and two tablespoons lemon juice. Apply the paste with a dry cloth, then rub, rinse, and dry the area thoroughly. Repeat as necessary!

Think of all the house projects you can accomplish next time you are lugging your water softener salt bag through the door. As always, we are happy to chat with you if you have any questions regarding your water softener salt (or water softener)! 

Benefits to a Water Softener

“Back away slowly … reach for the phone … and call a professional plumber.”

Okay, that’s a bit over-dramatic. But the consequences of a poorly done plumbing job can be severe. Unless you’re tackling a small task like tightening a loose nut, having your own set of commercially available tools doesn’t turn you into an actual plumber. Here are a few reasons why it is best to call the professionals.

Professional plumbers have the correct tools

You can purchase a wide range of home plumbing tools, like wrench kits. But only professionals have access to the expensive tools necessary to complete most jobs. These tools aren’t only pricey for consumers to purchase—they also require specialized training to operate. Some examples include drain cleaning, and video camera equipment for drain inspections. A professional plumber will arrive at your house with a van fully stocked with the finest equipment so they can get the majority of jobs completed on the first visit.

The potential for water damage

This is the most urgent reason never to attempt any type of major plumbing work as a DIY job. Mistakes involving plumbing pipes can lead to massive leaks and flooding, and water damage is expensive and difficult to remediate. A plumber will see any work is done right the first time. Professionals are also insured to protect you from any liability.

Professionals work efficiently

Do you really want to plunge a whole day of your weekend into a plumbing project that could potentially go wrong? When you look at it this way, you aren’t saving money by DIYing. A plumber rewards you not only with accurate work, but work that takes up little time. Whether you need repairs to restore hot water in your shower because of a broken mixing valve or you’re interested in having old pipes replaced, a professional plumber will create minimal disruption, finish the job fast, and let you get back to your life.

To find a plumber in or around Buffalo, MN … well, you’ve already done the hard work, because you’re on the website for the right people to call! Abel Plumbing’s values are based on reliability, excellent communication, integrity and quality work! We are a full service plumbing company that offers solutions for every type of issue – from common clogs to a New Construction Home. All estimates are free!

We would guess you’re reading this because your sink is clogged so we will skip to figuring out a solution to the problem!

Figuring out why your drain is clogged is the best way to figure out how to unclog it. There are four common reasons why most people’s bathroom drains clog. Look for:

1. Clumps of hair: hair that enters your sink drain will clump together and get stuck on the walls or the drain’s components. Tweezing or using a zip-it tool removes hair well. 

2. Something stuck in p-trap: you probably recognize the curved pipe beneath your bathroom sink that connects to the wall pipe. If something falls down your drain, it may get stuck in the curved pipe, the p-trap, in which you will need to remove and clean the pipe. 

3. Soap scum: build-up can happen in your pipes over time. You can pour a pot of boiling water down the drain or use a mix of baking soda and vinegar. 

4. Damaged pipes: pipes can rust and corrode over time which can lead to a slow drain or a clog. Plunging or snaking them is a temporary fix, but you should replace rusted pipes as soon as possible.

Unclogging your sink

After you’ve figured out what is clogging your drain, try the method that is recommended. Here is each method broken down into steps:

• Baking soda and vinegar

1. Unscrew the drain cover and remove the sink stopper

2. Pour  ½ cup of baking soda and then 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain

3. Let the mixture sit until fizzing stops

4. Rinse hot water down the drain

5. Repeat up as needed

• Tweeze or pull out hair

1. Remove the stopper

2. If you can see hair down the drain, use a long-nosed tweezers to retrieve it

3. If you can’t see hair, use a zip-it tool or bend and insert a hanger to retrieve it

4. Push the tool in at different angles (don’t force it) to catch more hair

5. Repeat as needed, rinsing with hot water as necessary

• Snake

1. Put down some towels or rags and remove the p-trap and stopper

2. Thread the snake into the drain and uncoil the snake using the handle

3. When you reach the clog, move the head around

4. Pull the nsake out and reassemble the sink

5. Check the drain to see if the clog is gone

• Plunge

1. Use a common cup plunger

2. Remove the stopper and seal the sink overflow outlet with take or a rag

3. Fill the sink with warm water and use the plunger to pump the plunger’s seal up and down several times

4. Test the drain and repeat as necessary

• Clean the p-trap

1. Put a bucket under your p-trap and loosen the slip nuts by hand or with pliers and dump the water in the bucket

2. Look for and remove objects lodged in the pipe

3. Put the p-trap back together and test the drain

If you have tried everything and your bathroom sink is still clogged, then you’re probably dealing with a bigger problem. If this is the case we recommend calling your local plumber. Abel Plumbing can diagnose and fix your drain clog problem quickly and effectively, contact us at (763) 682-4105 or contact us here.

Many people trust that their water is safe to drink. After all, it goes through a fairly rigorous testing and treatment process (if you are drinking tap water). Fortunately, our water, by and large, is safe to drink. However, there are contaminants that can get in through pipes or missed by treatment. So how do you know if your water is really safe to drink?

There are standards in place to determine water quality, which involves allowing a limited number of pollutants into the water.

• Minerals usually show up naturally as the water makes its way to your tap. The majority of the minerals, in the amounts present, are good for you. However aged pipes and leach harmful minerals, such as lead into your water supply.

• Chemicals are used to kill bacteria before it reaches your home, but they don’t always dissolve when added to the water supply.

• Bacteria show up when a pipe breaks or other contamination occurs. Chemicals used in treatment will usually kill these bacteria, but that may not always be the case, especially is there is an accidental pipe burst.

Does your water have a strange taste or smell?

A strange taste or smell coming from your water may not always be a serious issue. Hydrogen sulfide can be a reason behind a strange rotten egg odor. Chlorine may be a solution for this, but this issue can’t be addressed by you when you get your water from the city system. That is why many people choose a home water treatment solution in addition to city treatment.

Do your dishes have deposits left behind?

White or yellowish deposits left in your sink, or on your dishes and faucet can be caused by calcium deposits. You may know calcium deposits by the term “hard water,” but even though it doesn’t look great, it doesn’t necessarily mean your water is unsafe.

Even though your water quality is safe, it doesn’t mean the hard water isn’t causing other issues throughout your home. This issue can lead to major plumbing problems, which is why many homeowners consider replacing or adding a water softener to their home.

Do you see particles in your water?

Particles floating in your water can mean your pipes or water heater are beginning to rust. These particles can be a sign of an issue more than water quality and should be addressed as soon as possible. A simple water test can give you solidified answers to what the particles are and can give you direction to what your next step should be. 

Should you have your water tested?

We suggest having your water tested to determine whether your drinking water is safe. A regular water testing schedule can help you find out what contaminants are common in the area. Contact Abel Plumbing at (763) 682-4105 for a free water test and to chat about solutions to any of your water quality or plumbing issues.

Click on your town for their local water quality report

• Buffalo, MN

• Maple Lake, MN

• Rogers, MN

• Rockford, MN

Abel Plumbing offers water treatment systems and services to the Twin Cities West Metro Area. Contact us today!

YouTube, Pinterest, and Google have a multitude of videos to help you with a wide variety of projects--anything from planting gardens to turning silverware into jewelry. We know there are resources available to help you with your plumbing system, perfect for fixing the little things. But if you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you’re going to need a professional.

When a plumber comes into your project remodel

Remodels can be very exciting, but it’s important that they’re conducted correctly so you don’t have issues later on. A plumber can ensure the waters flows where it’s supposed to, and can save you a lot of time if you were planning to do it yourself.

A plumber can help you out:

• Installing a garbage disposal and kitchen sink

• Installing a bathroom sink

• Adding a rainfall showerhead

• Moving around pipes

• Moving drain lines

Simply put: a plumber knows what they are doing. That includes the smaller details, local building codes, or minor changes that make a big difference in your home.

It is time to start your remodel project - with a plumber

Whether you are looking to update an old bathroom sink, or doing a kitchen remodel, Abel Plumbing can provide you with a free estimate and will work with your timeline. We can guarantee you will find something that will work within your budget.

{Contact us today to schedule your Free Estimate!}

Since you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got an urgent situation happening right now. Your wedding ring has fallen down the sink drain, and you have questions! Thankfully, there is a good chance you will see your precious memento again. 

If you don’t feel confident addressing the situation, we recommend contacting a professional plumber. Abel Plumbing is happy to help with any plumbing services you may need around Buffalo, MN.

Step 1: Figure out if your p-trap is removable, aka the curved pipe underneath the sink. This plumbing trap looks like a sideways letter “P.” The purpose of this trap is to stop sewer gases, but today is may hace caught your ring!

Step 2: Removing your p-trap to retrieve the ring. Once you know that your p-trap can be removed without reaching out to a professional, it’s time to get started. Start with putting down a bucket and rags to catch the mess underneath as you open the trap.

• Loosen the trap. Some traps actually have an access drain you can pull out to let the water flow right into the bucket! Usually, however, you’ll have to unscrew the washers to detach the bend of the trap. 

• Find the ring. Once you detach the trap and tip it over, the ring should fall right into the bucket!

• Reattach the trap. 

Step 3. If all else fails, call a professional plumber. Your valuables are worth it, after all. A professional will know how to do the work quickly and find your ring without harming the pipes.

Contact Abel Plumbing for drain cleaning or plumbing services around Buffalo, MN.

When it comes to plumbing appliances, a sump pump can play an important role in protecting your home from water damage and flooding. But, you may be wondering if installing a sump pump is truly necessary. Keep reading to learn what a sump pump is, how it works, and whether your home should have one.

What are sump pumps? A sump pump is a plumbing appliance installed in the low point of your basement or crawlspace where they pump out any water that collects in the sump basin. Even if your basement area is not prone to flooding, if you have excess moisture around your home's foundations, a sump pump may help.

What causes water build-up? Moisture and water problems in basements and crawlspaces are not uncommon. You've probably heard horror stories about floods and mold problems. You may have even smelled a musty odor in your own basement, indicating excess moisture. Reasons water & moisture buildup in basements:

• Plumbing leak

• Rainstorms

• Incorrect grading or drainage around your home

• Damaged or improperly installed rain gutters

While basements are very common in Minnesota, many older homes were not built with the idea that the basement would be an extension of the home’s living space. Consequently, adequate drainage and moisture control weren't always a top priority. Nowadays basement conversions have become more popular. If your basement was converted to living space we recommend installing a sump pump to avoid water and moisture build-up.

Benefits of installing a sump pump. A new sump pump installed by a professional plumber can help remove excess water from your basement, protecting it and your belongings from water damage. Other benefits include:

• Reduces the chances of mold and mildew growth, especially after a flood or other emergency

• Reduces humidity in your basement and can support good indoor air quality

• Protects personal belongings and furniture from water damage

While there are many benefits to sump pumps, this does not necessarily mean that all homes require them. Before investing in a sump pump, you should discuss your options with a professional plumber.

Already have a sump pump?! Consider having a battery backup sump pump installed to supplement your primary pump by giving you several hours of additional protection from water damage if your primary pump fails. A backup pump brings peace of mind when spring rain season rolls around.

To find out if a sump pump is right for you, reach out to Abel Plumbing for guidance.

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the snow is melting. It is a beautiful sight to see for every Minnesota homeowner. However, the melt and occasional rainfall cause the groundwater levels to rise, putting basements at risk of flooding.

Most of us in Minnesota have a sump pump in our basement because we know how awful flooding and the resulting damage can be. But a lot of people don’t know that sump pump maintenance is essential to keep this potential disaster at bay.

What can cause a sump pump to fail?

• The pump could lose power

• The discharge lines or pump become clogged

• The pump could be the wrong size for your basement

• A lack of maintenance causes your sump pump to stop working

Save yourself from a sump pump disaster. 

If you’ve experienced a flooded basement, or know someone who has, you know the result is thousands of dollars and a big headache. Some simple spring sump pump maintenance can keep you from this disaster. Here are a few things you can do:

• Test your sump pump: The simplest way to do this is to fill a bucket of water and pout it into your sump pump pit. If your sump pump turns on right away and pumps out the water quickly, you’re in good shape.

• Look for obvious cracks: If there is anything cracked, or broken we suggest calling a professional plumber to take a look.

• Clear away debris: A sump pump usually has a check valve that keeps water from coming back in and a discharge line that sends water up and out of your basement. We recommend going outside to where your discharge line empties out and clearing away any debris that might have built up around or inside the opening. Then inspect the check valve for any noticeable issues.

• Consider having a battery backup sump pump installed: This system supplements your primary pump by giving you several hours of additional protection from water damage if your primary pump fails. A backup pump brings peace of mind when spring rolls around.

Time to replace your sump pump? Be prepared by maintaining that sump pump sitting in the corner and watch for these common signs that indicate it may be time to replace your pump.

If your sump pump is exhibiting any signs of failure, or you would like to learn more about sump pump repairs, installations or backups, give us a call at (763) 682-4105 or contact us here.

Ensuring your home's plumbing system is reliable and durable should be a top priority when building. When you work with a new construction plumbing contractor, you have assurances that your new build will come with an appropriate design for your plumbing network. New building plumbers ensure that the system components meet quality standards.

Here are three reasons why new construction plumbing services are important when building a new home.

Better insurance policies. If you’re thinking of insuring your home, the plumbing system may not mean much. However, your insurer will grant you a home-worthy policy if they realize that your plumbing system was installed by specialized new construction plumbing services. 

Guaranteed quality. The visible and unseen components of your new plumbing system should sync and perform optimally. Your faucets should be water-efficient, and your water heaters should offer energy efficiency. Your experienced new building plumber ensures quality installation so you don't have to fret about repairs or replacements soon.  

Peace of mind. A reliable new construction plumber can advise you and help you design a highly effective plumbing system that works for your home. Whether you want state-of-the-art plumbing fixtures or you want a water feature out in the yard, these specialists have the experience needed to deliver. 

Plumbing installation can be a daunting task, but with the help of a professional plumber, you’ll be on your way to an efficient, high-quality plumbing system with peace of mind. If you’re planning a new build, Abel Plumbing can provide you with a free estimate and will work with your timeline.