Minnesotans are no strangers to frigid winter weather. During the coldest months of the year, homes are naturally more vulnerable to plumbing problems, especially if your home is older or your pipes run within the exterior walls of your home. However, quick troubleshooting and routine maintenance can help you prevent many seasonal problems.

When the temps outside drop, some plumbing problems are more common than others. Here are a few winter plumbing issues, and how you can fix them.

Frozen pipes. Unprotected pipes can freeze when the weather gets cold enough. Use pipe insulation or a warming cable if you want to complete a DIY job. If you’re unfamiliar with your plumbing system, you may want to rely on a professional plumber to complete the job. Insulating your pipes can protect them against freezing during the winter months. If, however, your pipes do freeze, turn the water off immediately and call a plumber. A frozen pipe can burst and cause significant damage to your entire system.

Clogged drain. The winter months bring holiday parties and more time spent inside. Every drain in your home from the toilet to the garbage disposal is working overtime. If you find you have a clogged drain and a DIY job isn’t cutting it, there could be a bigger issue and you’ll likely need to call an emergency plumber.

Water heater failure. A cold shower becomes even more unbearable when it is freezing outside. Routine annual maintenance can help your water heater run smoothly for years. If your water heater is advanced in age or hasn’t been serviced within the past 12 months, schedule a routine inspection to ensure the tank is working optimally and can last through the winter.

Septic tank leaks. The line that runs from your home to the septic tank is susceptible to freezing which can break components or cause backups in your home. If this happens, you’ll need to call an emergency plumber. Be sure to have your tank inspected or pumped before winter hits. You can also add a layer of straw to the ground above your septic tank as a natural insulator.

Keep winter plumbing problems at bay. Don’t wait until you’re faced with a plumbing emergency before you deal with winter plumbing problems. Schedule preventative maintenance for your home’s plumbing system to minimize these cold weather issues.

When you pour yourself a glass of water from your faucet, what does it look like? If you’re seeing a cloudy appearance, and then clear within a few seconds, read on to figure out why.

Is it safe to drink? Millions of people in the U.S. have cloudy sink water in their homes. On the bright side, it is most likely perfectly safe. This cloudy water isn’t something that will harm you since it isn’t caused by a chemical or sediment. But you may be curious as to how you can get rid of it. 

There are a few reasons why sink water gets cloudy, including:

Air in your tap water. One common reason your drinking water appears cloudy is that there are air bubbles in your plumbing.  While it may not have a great appearance, cloudy water resulting from trapped air poses no health risk for you. 

Hard water. You’ve probably heard of hard or soft water. Hard water tends to be rich in minerals and is common in cities. While hard water usually doesn’t pose a health risk, it can leave stains and damage hair and clothes.

Unlike air bubbles, cloudiness as a result of hard water won’t clear up after being left standing for a few minutes. The best solution for hard water is a water softener system for your home, which will remove some of the minerals. 

Harmful contaminants. There is a possibility that your cloudy water means there are harmful contaminants or pollutants in the water. While hard water and air bubbles are unlikely to pose health risks, pollutants could become dangerous. While this option is uncommon, it is better to be safe than sorry and have your water checked out before drinking it. 

Click your town for their local water quality report

• Buffalo, MN water quality report

• Maple Lake, MN water quality report

• Rogers, MN water quality report

• Rockford, MN water quality report

Reach out to Abel Plumbing. Cloudy sink water is a nuisance, but not necessarily a danger. However, it could be a sign that you need to have your home’s plumbing checked. Reach out to Abel Plumbing to improve the water quality in your home!

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

If you are planning on building a new home or business, there is a lot you must consider, from drawing up plans to making sure everything is up to code with the city. However, did you know you will also need to hire a professional plumber?

Quality plumbing is essential in any building, but especially new construction. When you’re building from scratch, you have the opportunity to install premium materials for a top-functioning, money-saving system. Abel Plumbing is proud to provide an extensive list of new construction plumbing services and trusted plumbing brands to make this happen.

Building a new home comes with a lot of research and questions. We answered a few new construction plumbing questions below. 

How long does it take to install plumbing in a new house? There are factors that could impact the process, such as weather or the size of the project, but typically five days to properly install plumbing. Communicate with your crew ahead of time to plan out the timeline of the job.

What should I look for in a new construction plumber? It is crucial to work with an established plumber who has experience in new construction jobs, understands the issues that can arise, and is familiar with local building codes. 

Why is my new construction plumbing clogging? A clog in a new system may be a sign of poor installation. If ignored, it could create backup that could create a larger issue. If you are experiencing problems with your new construction plumbing we suggest contacting a professional plumber for a proper inspection to pinpoint the exact problem.

Abel Plumbing’s locally owned and operated team will meet all your new construction plumbing needs during your building phase, as well as keep it in top shape with regular maintenance. In need of plumbing services for your new construction home in Minnesota? Contact Abel Plumbing here!

Although most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 1% of it is freshwater that is suitable for drinking and domestic consumption. According to The US Environmental Protection Agency, most U.S. households use an average of 300 gallons per day, so there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to conserving freshwater. Even minor changes can make a huge difference in your water usage, and with water bills increasing, conserving water can also save you money!

It is easy to waste water each day between old fixtures, faulty plumbing, and old habits. Here are a few ways you may be wasting water without knowing it:

Leaky pipes. It is important to keep an eye out for leaks around your toilet, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures that you use often. Reports show that an average household can leak more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. Repair these leaks as soon as possible, and keep an eye on your bill to spot hidden leaks.

Using your toilet as a trash can. Toilets are the biggest source of water use in your home. Every time you flush a facial tissue or feminine product, you waste five to seven gallons of water!

Laundry and dishwasher loads that are half full. Ensure that your dishwasher is full and each load of laundry is pretty full. This will be more cost-effective in the long run.

Watching dishes with running water. Instead, fill up your sink with soap and water and then wash your dishes off.

Conventional toilets. If you have an older toilet, it could be using up to 2 gallons more water than a newer high-efficiency toilet.

Running the water while brushing your teeth. If you think about it, there is no reason the water needs to be running. Start the habit of turning the water off while brushing your teeth.

Taking a long shower. The average American uses 17.2 gallons of water when showering… that is a lot of water!

Plumbing services in Buffalo, MN

Start saving water and money- contact us to help with plumbing repairs, fixture replacements, and more.

The flush of your toilet is a familiar sound, so when it starts to make new noises, it’s obvious that something isn’t right. Gurgling noises aren’t very uncommon but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the sign that something is wrong with your toilet. It is only a matter of time before more strange symptoms start to affect your plumbing system.

What is the cause of a gurgling toilet?

A gurgling toilet usually means there is a blockage in your system. Negative air pressure caused by blockages in your plumbing system can cause air to escape and the toilet to back up, causing gurgling noises. The following are common places that a blockage could exist in your system:

• Main sewer drain: All the drains in your home lead to the main sewer drain, so a blockage there will have an impact on many of your plumbing fixtures.

• Toilet drain: Your toilet drain can become clogged if things are flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t be. 

• Toilet: This can be easily spotted by identifying floating objects in the toilet water.

Fixes for a faulty toilet.

Whatever the cause of your gurgling toilet, there are steps that you can take to attempt to remedy the problem before calling in professionals.

• Plunging: Grab that plunger! But before you start, seal off nearby drains so the air in your pipes can’t escape there.

• Plumbing snake: You can try to snake your drain through the toilet bowl if plunging fails.

When to contact the plumbing pros!

We hope this comes in handy next time you have a plumbing emergency. If you have tried everything and your toilet is still gurgling, don’t let it continue! If this is the case we recommend calling your local plumber. Abel Plumbing can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and effectively, contact us at (763) 682-4105 or contact us here.

Did you know 75% of homes in the United States are affected by hard water? It isn’t necessarily dangerous to you but it does have a major downside for your home’s pipes. Mineral deposits build up and damage pipes, faucets, and even your coffee maker. A water softener can save you time, money, and protect your home’s plumbing system.

Water Softener Components

A water softener isn’t just your standard filter that traps particles in a mesh layer. There are actually two tanks that make up the water softener system. Hard water enters a taller mineral tank that is filled with small polystyrene beads, which carry a negative charge. The minerals in hard water carry a positive charge so they become attracted to these beads.

The second tank holds the salt you pour in- this is called a brine solution. Contrary to belief the salt doesn’t replace the minerals in hard water, it actually cleans out the beads allowing them to attract more mineral ions. 

Reasons to Install a Water Softener

Your pipes in your house are one of the biggest risks when you have hard water. The same damage that happens inside pipes can do plenty of damage to the appliances within your home. Including: 

• Clothes washers

• Dishwashers

• Sink Faucets

• Refrigerator lines

• Coffee makers

• Water heaters

Due to the diameter of the pipes leading to many of these appliances, you’re likely to notice the damage sooner than with the water lines in the home. Mineral build-up can take up space in these systems or their pipes which can cause the cost of maintaining them to skyrocket.

A water softener will greatly increase the life of your faucets and showerheads, reduce the spotting of glasses, dishes, and flatware. You can reduce your laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, hand soap, and shampoo to half what you would normally use, not to mention soft water is much more pleasant to wash with. You can also add an Iron Filter which helps eliminate the minerals that cause odor and bacteria while eliminating 10 parts per million of iron.

Contact Abel Plumbing for water softener installation and water conditioning services in the twin cities west metro area.

The level of water pressure in your home makes a difference. It affects how clean your dishes get, how you feel in the shower, how long a load of laundry takes, and whether your lawn gets properly watered. So when you sense your water pressure is off, you want to know what is causing it!

There are a few potential explanations for low water pressure. You may be able to work on some solutions yourself, while others require the help of a plumber with the correct tools.

Too Much Demand on Water. In some homes, having multiple plumbing fixtures on at once can place too high of a demand on the water supply for proper water pressure to be maintained in every fixture. With a little coordination, you can usually avoid this issue.

Closed Valves. If there is low pressure, you may want to check the shut-off valve. It may not be open all the way. 

Faulty Fixtures. The fixtures themselves can become dirty and clogged. If your sink does not have enough pressure, simply unscrew the end of the faucet and rinse the aerator. If your shower is the problem, take the showerhead apart to see if the nozzle is clogged.

Clogged or Leaky Pipes. Blockage in pipes can disrupt the flow of water, requiring cleaning or replacing the pipe. An accurate diagnosis of a leak should be done by a professional plumber, but fixing a leak can help you save on monthly water bills, and fix your water pressure.

Broken Pressure Regulator. Water pressure regulators are designed to help stabilize the water pressure in your home. When these go bad, your water pressure can either become too high or low. If you suspect this is causing low water pressure in your home, reach out to a professional to have it inspected and replaced.

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.

Knowing where your home’s main water supply is located and how to turn it off is as important as knowing where your electric circuit-breaker is. Plumbing emergencies happen- be sure you’re prepared as possible- continue reading to learn how to find and turn off your home’s water supply to limit damage from broken or leaky pipes.

Search for your house’s main water shut-off valve on the inside of the home. It will most likely be located on the perimeter of the house since that is where the water first enters your home. If you have a basement or crawlspace, the shut-off valve is probably located on a wall near the front of your home. If your home is built on a slab, check in the garage or near the water heater for the shut-off valve.

If the previous methods fail, there could be a valve located outside at the beginning of your water main, at the boundary line of your property and the street or sidewalk. If you still can’t find it, call Abel Plumbing for help.

How to Turn off the Main Water Line

If the valve is located inside:

1. Round wheel handle valves will turn off by turning the handle clockwise. It may take a turn or two.

2. Slowly turn level handle valves ¼ turn, until the handle is not parallel with the pipe.

3. Open a tub or sink faucet (hot and cold) to relieve pressure. Continue to open faucets throughout the home to drain down as needed.

If the valve is located outside you may need special tools or have to call your water company’s 24-hour emergency contact line. With the cover removed, look inside and locate the residential water supply shut-off valve. You may be able to twist the valve with an adjustable wrench but most likely will need a meter key. If you’re able to turn the valve, turn it clockwise all the way to bring the water flow to a standstill.

Shut Off Water Close to Source

If you’re only having a minor plumbing issue, your first option should be to shut off the water as close to the source as possible.

• Toilet: Look under the toilet, against the wall, for flexible metal tubing. Turn the handle clockwise until the handle stops.

• Sink: If you look under your sink, you will see two sets of flexible metal tubes. Turn the handles on both valves clockwise to shut them off.

• Clothes Washer: Some houses have valves clearly exposed behind the washer. If this is the case, turn both valves clockwise to shut them off.

Now you know how to shut off the water to your home and individual appliances. We hope this comes in handy the next time you have a plumbing emergency. For more useful information, head to our Abel Plumbing blog! If you have a plumbing emergency reach out to us at (763)-682-4105 

Hard water is a term that is sometimes not well understood. It means there are higher than normal levels of minerals in the water. Fortunately, it isn’t harmful to drink, however, it can be hard on a home’s plumbing system. Hard water causes scaling, which is a problem for water heaters, pipes, and other appliances. It can also cause irritants when washing clothes in laundry machines, resulting in stiff, coarse, and faded clothing. So what really is scaling and what can be done about it?

What is scaling?

Scale or limescale is a substance that starts to form inside of pipes and other appliances because of minerals in the water. You may have seen evidence of scaling in your home before on glasses or pots. If you hold up a glass to the light and it appears cloudy after is has been washed, that is the formation of limescale. The higher the level of minerals in the water, the heavier the scaling.

What is the problem with limescale?

Other than glass that constantly looks dirty, limescale is a major issue for plumbing. The scale you see showing up on your glasses is minor compared to what is being built up on your pipes if you have hard water. The minerals in hard water include calcites, and these form a tough, hard buildup inside pipes. This buildup can become thick enough to raise the water pressure in the pipes which will lead to leaks and increase the frequency of clogging in pipes.

Limescale is also very hard on water-using appliances. If your water heater tank has a layer of limescale, it can cause it to overheat and breakdown. Scaling can also ruin a tankless water heater since only a small amount of scale in the heat exchanger can stop the water from flowing through the system. 

What can be done to stop hard water and limescale?

Since hard water originates outside of your home, the best approach is to have a water softener installed. A water softener uses ion exchange to swap hard water ions for sodium ions, removing the hard water minerals. 

If you think you need a water softener in Buffalo, MN or you need repairs to deal with limescale troubles, get in touch with us. We have multiple options of water softeners available to fit your needs and home. 

New year… new bathroom! It’s that time of the year to go through your house and get rid of the “extras.” Starting with the bathroom (a famous place for clutter) as multiple people tend to be in and out of them every day. Decluttering and organizing can be daunting (and spendy). Whether you’re thinking of reorganizing or remodeling, follow these tips for your bathroom makeover.

Before you tackle the task, consider the organizational issues in your bathroom. After you identify the problem (piles of towels, not enough space) you’ll know where to spend your money. Focus on a few quality fixtures when shopping. For example, decorative baskets, shelving, and towel bars all have function and form.

Control the clutter

Spice racks in the bathroom?! Although they’re commonly used in the kitchen, they’re a great organization tool for multiple places. Spice racks are an ideal way to store nail polish and cosmetics and can usually fit in a vanity cupboard.

Decorative baskets and containers are a great way to store towels and toilet paper. You don’t have to splurge on the most expensive options to create a serene design. 

Go vertical for bigger space solutions. Find storage on the wall as well as in the pre-existing cabinets that come with the sink. Consider an over-the-toilet shelf unit- these can range from affordable options for $30 to designer versions in the hundreds.

Clear your countertop for a tidy bathroom. It is best to keep as few items on your countertop as possible. This makes the counter easier to clean and reduces the chance of items accumulating and becoming clutter.

Drawer organizers can help keep items classified and within easy reach. Every drawer should have a designated purpose and remember you don’t have to fill every drawer.

Youtube, Pinterest, and Google have multiple resources to inspire and guide you through organizing your bathroom. However, even the best resources can’t solve the issue of minimal storage or space. If you’ve come to the conclusion that no organizational tactics will work and it is time for a bathroom remodel-- don’t start without a professional plumber.

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 water flows where it’s supposed to, and can save you a lot of time if you were planning to do it yourself. Check out how a plumber can help you out here.

Whether you are looking to redo your whole bathroom or update an old bathroom sink, 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.

“Hard water” pertains to the water quality in your home. It is incredibly common- affecting roughly ¾ of households in the U.S! Luckily, it is very unlikely that hard water will have any health effects on you. However, the effect on your plumbing system can be substantial. You may find yourself having to replace your showerhead or even pipes sooner than you expected.

Learn more about how hard water can affect your plumbing, and consider asking us about a water softener for your home.

Do I have hard water?

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits, which you’ve likely seen before. It could have been residue that gathers on the kitchen sink, or white spots around drains. Another common occurrence is spots that form on the end of your showerhead. You may also notice water spots left behind on dishes or hair that is dull and dry after washing.
If you have ever experienced any of these, you likely have hard water.

How does hard water affect my house?

Your pipes in your house are one of the biggest risks when you have hard water. If you see buildup on your faucets and drains, it is only a tiny indicator of what could be inside of the pipes. The mineral build-up will continue, reducing the volume available inside which can result in a drop in water pressure. A plumber may be able to clean out the pipes. However, at some point, nothing can be done and the pipes may need replacement.

The same damage that happens inside pipes can do plenty of damage to the appliances within your home. Including: 

• Clothes washers

• Dishwashers

• Sink Faucets

• Refrigerator lines

• Coffee makers

• Water heaters

Due to the diameter of the pipes leading to many of these appliances, you’re likely to notice the damage sooner than with the water lines in the home. Mineral build-up can take up space in these systems or their pipes which can cause the cost of maintaining them to skyrocket.

The solution

For the best and most effective solution to hard water, we recommend a water softener where the water enters your home, which means all the fixtures and pipes are protected from the damages of hard water.

A water softener will greatly increase the life of your faucets and showerheads, reduce the spotting of glasses, dishes, and flatware. You can reduce your laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, hand soap, and shampoo to half what you would normally use, not to mention soft water is much more pleasant to wash with. You can also add an Iron Filter which helps eliminates the minerals that cause odor and bacteria while eliminating 10 parts per million of iron.

Contact Abel Plumbing for water softener installation and water conditioning services in the twin cities western metro area.

Water heaters are dependable but water is corrosive and components inside the unit will eventually start to rust and wear. Unaddressed leaks can cause property damage and will significantly raise your utility costs. In many instances, you can pinpoint the cause of a leak by determining exactly where the water is coming from. 

The most common sources of a water heater leak include:

• The tank: If water is leaking around the base of the unit, the tank itself may be compromised. Look for damp insulation and water on the seams of the metal jacket.

• The drain valve: A drain valve can begin to leak immediately after routine maintenance. Since it isn’t used much, opening the valve to drain sediment-rich water may expose corroded gaskets and seals. If the drain doesn’t close properly, a steady trickle of water may leak from the spout. A plumber can replace the faulty unit to help eliminate future problems.

• The temperature relief valve (TPR): After years of operation, the TPR may fail and begin to leak. If lifting the valve to release a small amount of hot water fails to clear accumulated sediment, the valve will need to be replaced.

• The inlet and outlet: An ongoing chemical reaction takes place that eventually may corrode the steel pipes the make the connections on your water heater tank. A slow, steady leak can be identified by unsightly corrosion and rust growing around the connections. If you see corrosion and moisture around the inlet or outlet pipes, we suggest you have them replaced before a serious leak develops.

Should I Replace My Water Heater Before it Fails?

Of course, eventually, your water heater will need replacement. The lifespan of a water heater is only about 10 years old. Some of these common water heater problems are either irreparable, or a repair will not make financial sense. 

The major sign that your water heater needs replacement is if it’s leaking from the tank. The leaks mentioned above can usually be repaired. But a leak from the tank itself indicates corrosion, which means your water heater will continue to corrode and leak.

The good news is If you get a new water heater, you might notice your bills drop! New water heaters are manufactured to work more efficiently than their decades-old counterparts.

Water heater problems can be costly and destructive if left unaddressed. If you have a leaking water heater, give us a call and we will diagnose your situation and give you options for your water heater repair. If you need replacement, we will review with your home and family needs and recommend the best water heater replacement system for you. And we’ll get it installed promptly!

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, chances are you will be shopping around for fixtures to get the best possible option within your budget. Sometimes we get caught up on the price, which is understandable, but it is essential to think about making an investment that will last. While researching, you may find that big box stores will have similar fixtures at a lower cost than a showroom. But there are more differences than what meets the eye. Here are a few reasons why:

Quality

When comparing big box store fixtures and showroom fixtures, the product may look the same, and even have the same model number, but the parts could be different. The different parts sets the lower prices. The lower price could mean a part is made of plastic rather than brass or a metal finish versus painted plastic. Showroom products will have better internal fittings and quality cartridges for leak prevention. Good quality products will decrease your cost of use and save you money over time. As the saying goes “you get what you pay for,” install a product that is built and made to last.

Perks of a Showroom

Researching fixtures can be overwhelming. Visiting a showroom is convenient and will give you ample time to explore products that will best fit the look and function of your space. Showroom employees can guide you through your questions and make sure you leave feeling confident in your choices. 

No matter what type or brand you choose, we suggest having a licensed plumber install your fixtures. This will help protect your investment and ensure the best performance quality. Projects can get expensive, but we recommend cutting costs and saving money in other areas, if possible.

Need Help Picking out Plumbing Fixtures?

We can refer you to one of our Unique Plumbing Design Showrooms that we work with. They offer a large selection of plumbing fixtures to choose from. Whether you are looking for a trendy kitchen faucet or looking for a newer toilet we can guarantee you will find something that will work within your budget. Contact us today!

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!

Spring is usually your sump pumps busy season; although we have had a pretty mild spring this year (knock on wood) when it comes to rain. However, just because your basement stayed dry this year or in the past doesn’t mean that it will in the future. 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.

Old Age.

Although it would be handy, sump pumps don’t last forever. The average life expectancy is about 10 years so, your pump could simply just be too old. There are a few things that affect the longevity of a sump pump:

1. Frequency of use

2. The quality

3. Length the pump has to carry water to discharge

If you suspect your sump pump may be on the fritz, give us a call and we can come out and inspect it and determine what the best plan is going forward. Abel Plumbing has extensive experience repairing and installing sump pumps.

On/Off Issues.

If you’ve been hearing your sump pump go through constant cycles of turning on and off or continuously running, it may be a sign there is a significant problem. This problem can overwork your pump and can cause it to fail when bad weather strikes. This issue can stem from:

1. Missing or broken check valve

2. The wrong-sized sump pump

3. Stuck switches

The last thing we want is your sump pump to quit right when a heavy rain comes. It is a good idea to have it inspected as soon as possible if you suspect on/off issues.

Noisy.

You should hear some noise coming from your sump pump, but if you notice more noise or louder noise than usual, it could mean a motor issue. Keep an ear out for rattles, grinding, thuds, or other abnormal noises.

The good news is that when caught early enough motors can be repaired or replaced without having to install a whole new system. If you hear strange noises coming from your sump pump and are uncomfortable examining the system, call a plumber immediately. 

Clogged Pump.

If your sump pump is uncovered it will almost inevitably accumulate dirt and contaminants. This can cause fan blades, switches, the pump inlet, and the discharge line to clog. This will ultimately cause the pump to suck up any of the grit and impair performance.

Purchase an airtight lid or grate to prevent dirt, leaves, and sticks from falling down the pit and consider having your sump pump inspected to see if there are any damages. 

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.

If your sump pump is exhibiting any of the signs above, 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.

Spring is right around the corner and so is the annual spring cleaning and home renovation. This season is a great time for homeowners to check their home plumbing system. Keeping up with this basic maintenance can help keep your home functioning smoothly throughout the year and can help prevent costly damage in the future. 

Why Worry About Plumbing Maintenance

Most people don’t worry about their plumbing until there is a problem, however, by then there is usually a large mess and a large bill. By checking out your plumbing system regularly you can catch these problems early before they escalate. Not only can a faulty plumbing system cause bigger issues later, but they can also waste your money in the meantime. According to this drip calculator, it only takes 4,000 drips to waste one liter of water. One drip per minute per day adds up to 34 gallons of water in a year! The best way to avoid problems and keep costs down is to make sure your home’s plumbing system is working properly. Below you will find a few tips to add to your spring cleaning list to keep your home running smoothly.

Indoor Plumbing Maintenance

• Check your toilet for leaks (both the bowl and the tank).

• Make sure your water heater is no higher than 120 degrees, check for rust, corrosion, and leaks.

• Check your water supply hoses for leaks to appliances such as dishwasher, washing machine or ice maker.

• Test out your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into it. It should immediately start, drain the water, and shut off.

Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance

• Check the various drains and pipes around your home and clear them from any debris.

• Clean out your gutters and downspouts.

• Check for birds nests in plumbing vent pipes.

• Check exterior faucets to make sure no pipes are frozen and water is flowing properly.

Adding plumbing maintenance to your spring cleaning list will help you discover damages caused by the cold winter sooner and not later. If you do find something that you don’t feel comfortable fixing, please contact us!

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The global spread of COVID-19 is affecting every one of us. As our company responds to the latest updates about the global pandemic, please know that we are here for you today, just as we are any other day. Our highest priority is the health of our customers and team members, with that being said we will only be conducting emergency calls.

In these times, we know that hot water and proper sanitation are very important and we are here to ensure that your home has hot water, and your toilets, drains, sump pumps and fixtures are working properly.

We have implemented extra preventive measures such as refraining from shaking hands, wearing disposable gloves, and enhanced cleaning procedures on top of already high standards. We will also do our best to only touch the necessary surfaces and leave things better than how we found them.

We will continue to follow recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with state and local authorities and update you with any changes. 

Our core values are reliability, great communication, and quality work. We will continue to deliver on this commitment in the days and weeks ahead and thank you for your business and continued support

Do you have any home improvements on your New Year resolution list? The new year can be a great time to analyze your home and see what needs fixing. 

If your repair list is along the lines of the list below, you may want to start with installing a water softener in your home. 

• Replace the dishwasher that no longer cleans dishes well

• Check the pipes because of reduced water flow

• Fix or replace the washing machine because clothes are finishing gray and stiff.

Installing a water softener provides significant cost savings in several areas of the home. It will cut cleaning time in half, provide cleaner laundry and give you softer skin and more manageable hair. It will also greatly increase the life of your faucets and showerheads and reduces the spotting of glasses, dishes, and flatware. A water softener will benefit your home in many ways.

There are multiple water softener options available to fit your needs and home, we are happy to chat with you about the 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.

Welcome to Abel Plumbing’s blog! We look forward to sharing current and exciting information about kitchen and bathroom remodeling, faucet repair, water conditioning, plumbing, and more. Whether you are visiting with us in person or chatting over the phone, we are thrilled to discuss our company and its options with you.

Abel Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business that provides residential plumbing services. Neil Abel, a Master Plumber has been working in the industry since 2002. He started this company to provide real value and honest customer service. Our company values are based on reliability, excellent communication, integrity, and quality work! 

Our full-service plumbing company offers solutions for every type of issue:

• Bathroom and kitchen remodeling

• Faucet repair

• Plumbing

• Salt delivery

• Sump pump repair

• Toilet repair

• Water Conditioning

• And water heaters

If you would like to read more about our services, check them out here!

In future blogs, we will share our love for our team and customers in the form of how to’s, product highlights, team member spotlights, industry news, and much more. Thank you for visiting us and please come back soon! We enjoy hearing your feedback and invite you to send us a message, or connect with us on our Abel Plumbing Facebook page.