Why Are Plumbing Supply Prices Going UP UP UP?
Plumbing Fixture Costs UP We’ve all noticed prices going up, whether it’s at the gas pump or the grocery store. Our plumbing supply houses have all announced price increases. The prices we pay for water heaters, filtration systems, even toilets, faucets, piping, and sealants, all have gone up in the last six months. Some costs […]
Quick! Where’s the Shut-Off Valve?
Straight out of our customers’ files: We had a panicked caller on the line last month, screaming into the phone, “There’s water spraying out all over our basement!” The calm, soothing voice of our general manager talked her through the process of locating her home’s main shut off valve and stopping the water. We followed […]
New Bathroom! Oops, Forgot About the Drains!
A case right out of our customer files: recently, a new customer called us after they had just had a different contractor finish a full bathroom remodel in their basement. Right after the work was completed, the laundry tub and floor drain in the basement started backing up. They called us, and after attempting to […]
Homebuyer’s Plumbing Checklist
Ahhh – Springtime finally comes to the Twin Cities! And with spring, more people are looking at and buying homes. Before you get all starry-eyed about what seems to be the perfect home for your family, take a closer look at the plumbing. Most of us don’t like to think about water coming in and […]
FLOODED BASEMENT! Yikes!
Spring Will Be Coming! Even if it doesn’t feel like it now, all that snow out there will be melting soon. We’ve got 20 more inches from this weekend too! Add those lovely April (and probably May) showers, and many homeowners will need to be concerned about basement flooding. It’s time to check out your […]
What to Consider When Hiring a Plumber
Everyone who owns a home, whether it’s a single family home, townhouse, or a condo, will need a plumber at some point. Sometimes it’s as simple as a clogged drain or toilet, or perhaps you want to remodel a bath or kitchen. Maybe your home is older and an inspector tagged your main water valve […]
Proper Plunging For Your Toilet
First – Pick Your Plunger You’ll want a heavy-duty rubber plunger with the fold-out flange. The flange insert will help give a good seal for plunging. Second – Protective Clothing Get some rubber gloves, safety goggles or glasses, and some protective clothes. Make sure you have plenty of rags around the base of the toilet. […]
How to Use a Drain Snake
So – in my last blog entry I talked about drain cleaning liquids not being effective or safe to use in DIY clog-busting. What’s a homeowner to do? The safest way to go after a stopped up or slow drain is to use a tool to reach down and pull it up – using a […]
Chemical Drain Cleaners…Or Not?
Most of us, when faced with a pesky slow drain or clogged sink, have been tempted to use a chemical drain cleaner at one time or other. What could be easier than opening a bottle and pouring the contents down the drain? Jake the Plumber doesn’t recommend any of these products, and here’s why. These […]
Water Heaters
A Drip At The Base… It’s Time To Replace! The lowly water heater. Most of the time it sits, neglected, in your basement or crawl space. Delivering hot water whenever you turn on the tap, it fires up to heat more water for the next shower, dishwasher or laundry cycle. Most of us don’t know […]