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Advice from Plumber: Common Household Tips

February 17th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

With the every rising need for experienced plumbers in Minneapolis to meet demand, Roto-Rooter has stepped up to the plate providing great service, products, and people to handle any situation or plumbing problem. In fact, since 1935 we have become a household name in plumbing and sewer maintenance. With more work to do each day, we want to pass a long a few tips and tricks to help our customers, friends, and readers take better care of their plumbing and avoid the serious problems that arise out of lack of maintenance.

  • Leaky faucets. We see it every day, drippy faucets go unnoticed for months. While a leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, over the course of a few months, a few drips can become a steady leak and eventually completely broken. As water starts to drip, it takes its erosive course and does a number on brass fittings in your home plumbing. Also, the constant leaking of water can waste anywhere from $20 and up a month on water. If you have multiple leaky faucets, that can add up quickly and really hit you in the pocketbook. All you need to do to fix a leaky faucet is remove the faucet head. Before you do that, make sure that the water valve under the sink is turned off. When the head is removed, peak inside. There should be a washer seated inside. This sealant washer is what holds the water back. If it is out of place, jostle back where it needs to be. If you see that it doesn’t fit perfectly or it is flattened, cut or warped, buy a replacement washer that fits. Your drippy faucet will be back to normal. Cartridge-type faucets are different. Often, the entire cartridge needs to be replaced. But the good news is that Moen and some other faucet manufacturers will warrant their faucets for life and will send you the replacement parts for free. Unfortunately, they won’t pay a plumber to fix them so you’ll need to do your homework and follow the instructions carefully.
  • Clogged drains are a drag. They happen all the time and sometimes when least convenient. For bathroom drains, try to keep it clear of hair as much as possible. Once a week, pull the hair out of the drain with a screwdriver and then wash the rest away with some pipe cleaner. For kitchen drains, a strainer can help keep most stuff from clogging it up. For the rest, use boiling water once a week. Before or after the boiling water, baking soda and vinegar will push away anything else clinging to the sides.
  • Frozen pipes can lead to serious flooding. Before the next Arctic blast blows into town, make sure to beef up on the insulation in your walls. Also, fitting pipes with special foam plumbing insulation jackets will help keep your pipes working smooth and frost-free.

 For more information on plumbers in Minneapolis and how Roto-Rooter can help solve any residential or commercial plumbing problem, call us today.

 

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Faucet Repair Tips from Roto-Rooter

February 16th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing is all around you. Everywhere you go; there is a network of pipes weaving in and out of  every building. Water is always moving, pumping and draining used water from fresh water pipelines to drainage sewers. The commonality of running water in most homes is a modern commodity that we often take for granted. Since plumbing runs under floorboards, behind walls, and even above through the ceiling, it is really easy to forget about what is going on. As a result, seemingly out of the blue flooding plagues a basement, a faucet won’t shut off, or a toilet refuses to drain. With faucet repair in Minneapolis, Roto Rooter has helped thousands of people get the help they need.

Faucets dispense water making them extremely important parts of an overall healthy plumbing system. Since the water entering your home does so under pressure, faucets are designed to seal off water when in the off position. As water pushes against the washer inside of the faucet, over time the water can work its way around the seals and start seeping out, even when the faucet is turned off. These first few drips are often ignored until the problem is much bigger. Did you know that a single leaky faucet could waste up to $25 a month in water? Multiply that by even 2 or 3 faucets and you have a completely unnecessary bill on your hands.

Water by nature is erosive, which is why faucet repair in Minneapolis is so important to take care of on a regular basis. Just as water cuts out giant canyons and valleys in the earth, drippy water actually causes permanent damage to a faucet head. The key is to repair a faucet as soon as you notice a leak, minimizing the erosive damage that is going on against the brass fittings and other parts. With the appropriate tools, take off the faucet head and take a look just past the on and off switch. You will see a washer resting against a seat. If for some reason the washer has been jostled out of place, simple readjusting it back into its original place will solve the problem. If, however, your drippy faucet is developed into a slow leak, the washer may be warped, flattened, cut or otherwise damaged beyond use.

One call to your local Roto-Rooter office will result in a fix. A professional technician can replace the appropriate parts to get your faucet working perfectly again. Or, if you’ve waited too long and the faucet has permanent damage, your Roto-Rooter service man can replace your faucet with whichever model you want. You can even buy the faucet yourself from wherever you like and Roto-Rooter will install it for you.

 

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Taking Care of Plumbing Problems: Roto Rooter

February 10th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing problems hit people everyday at any given moment. Often times we forget about the amazing system we have called plumbing. It runs to and fro, never making itself known until a problem arises. These problems seem to come out of nowhere and at the least convenient time possible. Have you ever had a toilet back-up, a shower that won’t drain, or a faucet that refuses to shut-off? These things always seem to happen when guests are staying the weekend or you are trying to impress your in-laws for once.  Because of the many plumbing problems in Minneapolis, Roto-Rooter has been the service provider of choice for thousands of people, as a source of quality products, expertise, and experience. Consider the following tips for taking care of some of the more common plumbing issues that exist.

  1. Clogged toilet. Most people have to deal with clogged toilets at least a few times each year. Even the newest toilets are prone to the clogs that form within the drainpipe of a commode. In order to minimize these clogs, only use toilet paper and other toilet bowl-approved products. Using thicker paper, flushing trash, or disposing of food products, wet wipes and tampon applicators is almost a guarantee for problems. If you avoid flushing these items, usually a simple plunge with the plunger will get things moving again.
  2. Clogged Drains. Whether in the kitchen sink or in the bathroom shower, clogged sinks are a royal pain! Especially in kitchen sinks without a garbage disposal, it is vital that some kind of filter prevent too much food from going into the drain. Even greases from pans and post-cooking projects will cling to the walls of your pipes and eventually create a clog that will be difficult to beat. Simply pouring boiling water down kitchen and bathroom sinks once a week will do a lot to keep things moving and push out gunk and grime. Also, Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield® can help pipe walls stay healthier and slicker allowing even the stickiest of gunk to keep on moving.
  3. Frozen pipes are a problem that is a lot more common than you would think. Especially one of those plumbing problems in Minneapolis that hit in the winter, frozen pipes can be avoided with better insulation and preparation. For pipes not insulated in the walls, you can coat with a foam insulation jacket to fit snuggly around the exterior. But this may mean cutting into the drywall to gain access to the pipes.

 For more information call Roto-Rooter for a professional to help you today!

 

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Sump Pump Installation in Minneapolis

February 9th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Nobody likes to step down onto a wet, flooded basement floor, but for hundreds of Minneapolis area residents, that awful fate becomes a reality due to foundation or basement drainage problems and leaks. If the problem seems to be a recurring one, especially brought on by wet weather, then it might be time to consider a sump pump installation for your basement or crawl space.

As you may already know, the term sump pump includes two parts: 1) the sump and 2)the pump. The word sump refers to a basin, hole, or well that collects excess drainage water in order to avoid having that water spill out and into and flood your basement. Along with the installation of a sump, comes a pump that is tasked with removing excess water from the basin to a place fit for proper drainage, either connecting to local drainage systems or far enough away from the home to remove the risk of flooding.

Adding a sump pump to a home is not considered a quick and easy fix, but when it is the right solution, it is should be done properly. Some homes in the Minneapolis area were built with existing sump pump systems in place, which makes replacement and/or repair of outdated parts or equipment a simpler fix, but for the majority of homeowners, a sump pump installation is a major consideration that requires professional advice and assistance. It is not a job for the weekend warrior but should only be attempted under the guidance of an expert-trained Roto-Rooter plumber.

Your Roto-Rooter plumber can help properly diagnose your particular drainage, leakage, or flooding problems and provide you with a variety of sump pump solutions to fix your problem and prevent future damage. Everything you need to know about installing a sump pump in your home, including materials, tools, estimated cost, and more can be made available to you, when you pick up your phone and call your Minneapolis area Roto-Rooter.

Roto-Rooter is a trusted name for plumbing and plumbing solutions, including sump pumps. Each sump pump professional is highly trained and capable of making the right recommendations based on your unique situation and conditions. You can rest assured that they will come with the right tools and equipment to accurately diagnose and treat whatever problems may await them. Each technician knows from A to Z how to properly identify, diagnose, and treat plumbing, foundation, and basement water problems.

Roto-Rooter service technicians will arrive in a timely manner and be ready to address your unique drainage situation. You are in no better hands than when you call on a Roto-Rooter professional to help resolve your home or business plumbing problems, and you will recognize and appreciate what professional quality, courteous service means first hand.

 

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Best Water Heater Repair in Minneapolis

February 6th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Water heaters are one of the key components to helping modern society enjoy a rich quality of life. People don’t often stop to appreciate how important a water heater is to quality of life and lifestyle until it stops working properly. While the water heater problems may vary from home-to-home or business-to-business in Minneapolis and the surrounding area, the best solution to water heater problems is the same – contact your local Roto-Rooter for trustworthy  water heater repair estimates and service in Minneapolis and its surrounding areas. Taking the steps to diagnose and correct problems sooner rather than later is important to restoring peace of mind.

Roto-Rooter professionals stand ready and able to help you repair or replace your water heater or other plumbing problems. You can rest assured that you will get the right answers to what is causing your problems and what the best recommendations are to fix the problem. When it comes to water heaters, you need to trust the person responsible for making the repairs. It is not something that you can simply leave up to yellow pages roulette. You need a name you can trust – a name like Roto-Rooter, America’s Neighborhood Plumber®, in order to assure that your problem is properly addressed.

Water heater repairs range from simple to complex – harmless to dangerous. It is not wise to second-guess when it comes to repairing your water heater, but there are plenty of warning signs that something might need repair, including:  

  • If you’re having trouble getting hot water from the tap.
  • If you notice rust-colored water coming from the tap.
  • If you smell sulfur (Rotten egg) coming from the water heater or the surrounding area.
  • If you hear popping, rumbling, or whining noises coming from the water heater.
  • If you notice water leaking from the copper tubing or pipes connected to or near your water heater.
  • If you see water puddling or failing to drain properly from beneath the water heater.
  • If you smell natural gas around your water heater.
  • If you pilot light won’t ignite.
  • If your thermostat reset button goes off repeatedly. 

While these are just a sample of the symptoms that can inform you as a homeowner or business owner that your water heater may be having problems that need professional repair, it is best to investigate any disturbance or potential problem. You can contact your Minneapolis local Roto-Rooter for a free estimate for fixing potential problems or replacing your old water heater. 

While some repairs may be simple enough, it is always the best advice to contact a plumbing professional to decide how best to proceed, and Roto-Rooter’s highly trained plumbers will be able to help you determine what repairs or options will best help you.

Due to the ever increasing diversity of water heater options, water heater repair information that you find online may be out of date or downright dangerous. Whether you have a more traditional gas water heater, electric water heater, or a newer tankless water heater, a Roto-Rooter water heater specialist will have all the latest answers and know everything, A-Z, to help you safely keep the hot water flowing through your home or business.

If you determine that it is best to replace your water heater, they will stand ready to help you make that decision with information regarding virtually all models of water heaters. Roto-Rooter also offers a wide array of options that you can purchase from your technician, or you can purchase your water heating system elsewhere and have an experienced technician install it for you.

As you likely know, a water heater problem should not be ignored. Not only can a water heater malfunction be an inconvenience or annoyance, but it can also be a threat to your family’s health, your home, and your neighborhood. Therefore, it is always best to seek the advice of a professional from Roto-Rooter if you have any reason to believe that your water heater is having problems. It is better and cheaper to be safe, than sorry, and you can rest with peace of mind, knowing that you’ve addressed any concerns about your water heater.

Don’t be caught off guard by a malfunctioning water heater and avoid serious problems by consulting with the professionals from a name you know and can trust, Roto-Rooter.

 

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What is Worse than Frozen Pipes (Hint – It Involves Super Bowl)

February 3rd, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

It is the middle of the winter and Santa has now settled in for his long winters nap. The weather keeps most of us inside most of the time at this time of year because of how cold it is. However, this is not bad at all compared to having to deal with Minneapolis frozen pipes. There are few things worse than dealing with pipes that are frozen in the middle of the winter. However, if you’re a football fan, there are some things that are worse than this. Below is a list of some of those things.

  1. Having the Satellite dish go out during the Super Bowl is by far worse than your pipes freezing in the middle of the winter.
  2. Running out of snacks before the Super Bowl is over is a lot worse.
  3. Having your favorite team not even make the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl is far worse than dealing with frozen pipes.
  4. Having your team lose one game shy of the Super Bowl is also worse.
  5. Having your team lose in the Super Bowl is far more gut-wrenching than having a burst pipe in your home.
  6. When your co-workers favorite team beat your team in the Super Bowl the following Monday can be sheer torture.
  7. Missing the best commercial of Super Bowl night because you had to go to the bathroom.
  8. Having the opposite team make a field goal at the end to win the Super Bowl over your team.
  9. Losing the Super Bowl because of a stupid turnover when you were in position to win of you could just run out the clock.
  10. Missing the Super Bowl, commercial, food and fun because your neighbor called and asked you to come and help out because he has an emergency at his home because he has had Minneapolis frozen pipes burst and now needs to clean up quickly.

 No matter how bad it is to have pipes freeze it can always get worse. Keep these things in mind and take every precaution you can when it comes to your Super Bowl plans and then do what you can to make sure you do not have a pipes freeze up on you too.

 

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Plumbing Repair Tips: Roto-Rooter Minneapolis

January 27th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing is an important part of a comfortable house or facility. Often times we neglect to take care of what is happening beneath our feet and behind walls because plumbing is out of sight and as a result out of mind. Roto-Rooter is excited to help customers learn how to take better care of their sinks, drains, faucets, and pipes through easy to do tips and tricks. With years of experience under our belts, excellent products, and the best trained professionals available, Roto-Rooter can not only help you get your plumbing repair done fast, but done right.

Leaky faucets are an extremely common plumbing issue. You probably have several leaky faucets inside and outside of your home right now. Faucets have to be able to easily allow plenty of water to pass through while at the same time be able to close it all off. Behind the spout of the faucet and just behind the lever, lies a washer set against a seat. The washer moves to and fro to hold back water and let water pass. If for any reason the washer is offset or doesn’t fit into place anymore, you will have a leaky faucet.

Ignoring a leaky faucet, even if it is a small drip, can cause serious damages over time. Just like the rivers that cut through mountains to carve valleys and canyons, water passes by the brass parts of a faucet and over time can erode the brass. If you allow your leaky faucet to go on, you may have to replace the entire thing. The cheaper alternative is to simply fix the faucet before this type of wear happens.

When you open up the faucet head, check the washer to make sure that it is seated correctly and that it fits perfectly into place. If it slides back to where it should be, then all you need to do is put the head back together and your drippy faucet will drip no more. If, however, the washer is warped for any reason, you may need to completely replace it. When buying a new washer, make sure that you take the entire head into your local  hardware store where a professional can help you find the right size. With the right washer set in place, your faucet will be good as gold!

For more information about plumbing repair and maintenance, call Roto Rooter today for help!

 

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Roto-Rooter Advice: Prevent Frozen Pipes

January 25th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Every year when the temperature drops, a common problem affects many homes and businesses: frozen pipes in Minneapolis. When your pipes decide to freeze this year, what will you do? Most pipes will crack and in some cases completely shatter altogether leaving a very dangerous gap in your plumbing that can cause serious flooding and water damage. Since 1935, Roto-Rooter has built a name for itself as the number one name in plumbing that people trust. With great service, products, and professionals available to everyone, we can help fix a problem when it happens and even help you plan ahead before serious damage ever happens.

Especially in extremely cold areas, preventing frozen pipes in Minneapolis is an important plan of action to have. If you leave for the winter or

Foam insulation will protect pipes

go on extended vacations during the coldest parts of the year, why no have your plumbing winterized? Just like blowing free your sprinkler system, you can also clear out the plumbing that goes to and from your home as well. If you decide to take this course of action, it is extremely important you make sure that the lines are completely clear of water or you may still come home to damaged pipes. The reason being is that it isn’t always the actual ice that breaks pipes. If you have ever had a pipe break like this, you will always find that the crack almost always appears a good distance away from where the actual ice formed. When stray water freezes, it creates a tight block and the water expands. The trapped air becomes compressed and the pressure then wreaks havoc on the weakest part of your pipe.

If you plan on staying home during the winter and still want to take action, the best way to prevent freezing plumbing is insulation. Many times water lines running along the outer walls of a building are actually exposed to very cold temperatures that are cold enough to freeze water. Placing a buffer between these pipes and the wall will prevent pipe temperature from becoming affected by dropping outside temperatures so quickly. Insulation will actually prevent a pipe from freezing even if its temperature drops below freezing. Roto-Rooter also provides great pipe insulation that wraps around the pipe like a winter coat and can add yet even more protection against the cold. For worst case scenarios, there is thermostat controlled heat tape/ cables that are plugged into an electrical outlet and create heat in the cable. Since the cable is flexible and wraps around the pipe, it remains warm and cannot freeze. In especially frigid climates, this will be a lifesaver. For more information on plumbing care and service, call Roto-Rooter today!

 

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Faucet repair and plumbing DIY tips from Roto-Rooter Minneapolis

January 19th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing problems effect everybody. They are tricky because they seem to happen right when you least expect them to. When a guest goes in to use the bathroom, of course the toilet will be clogged. When friends are staying the weekend, that is going to be the morning that the show clogs up and floods the bathroom floor. Since these types of things happen to everyone, it isn’t a matter of if, but when it will happen. Roto-Rooter is dedicated to everything from faucet repair in Minneapolis to unclogging toilets in Florida. Here are some tips and tricks for getting that leaky faucet figured out.

While most plumbing issues happen behind walls and under floor boards, leaky faucet are easier to catch. Most people let their leaky faucets go until it is too late to fix them. Water can cause a lot of damage and can even do a number on brass fittings in plumbing due to the minerals water carries. As the water passes over the walls of pipes and through faucets, the water picks off the uneven imperfections leaving them weak and susceptible to leaks and cracks.

When you are dealing with a drippy faucet, it is important to know what kind you are dealing with. Most faucets that are leaky all day long need to be taken apart. Diverters, on the other hand, only leak for an hour or so after use and then stop because it is only the excess water from use trapped in between the valve and the switch. If you are dealing with a diverter, simply tightening things up on the inside will do the job. Traditional faucets need a little more care.

Right before the spout of a faucet, there is a washer that sets against a seat and acts as a seal holding back water flow. The pressure building up over time can slowly push or warp the washer so that drips can seep through. Taking off the head and realigning most of the time will do the job, but other times you may have to completely replace it if it does not sit properly. One thing to note as well is that when replacing a washer, make sure you get an exact size match so that it fits perfectly; otherwise you will have a drippy faucet again.

If you are unsure about what kind of washer to buy, check out a hardware store where a technician can help you so you can successfully finish your faucet repair in Minneapolis.

 

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Minneapolis cold creates unique plumbing problems: Roto-Rooter has solutions

January 18th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

No matter who you are, no one is exempt from the inevitable run in with serious plumbing problems at some point. It is especially easy to have serious problems with plumbing arise because often time’s we do not see what the source of the issue actually is. While most of your plumbing is out of sight, it should never remain out of mind. Never taking any steps to clean or maintain your plumbing can lead to serious flooding and very expensive damage to your home or business. Roto-Rooter of Minneapolis is all about helping you get the right information so you can prevent these types of situations from arising.Providing years of quality service and great products has made us the number one name in plumbing care. Take the following information into consideration to help prevent plumbing issues.

Thermostat-controlled heat cables will prevent pipes from freezing

Frozen pipes happen a lot to our customers, especially those in Minneapolis and other northern cities that have very cold winters. Pipes running too shallow underground and throughout under-insulated walls can easily be exposed to extremely cold temperatures and freeze quickly. When this happens, you are in for a whole list of serious problems as a result, namely flooding and the results of water damage.

An easy way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate vulnerable pipes with foam pipe wrap insulation or even thermostat-controlled heat cables, which have to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The cable is flexible and can be wrapped around a pipe to provide enough heat to prevent freezing. There are other options for hunting cabins and vacation homes that are largely abandoned during winter. Water can be completely drained from pipes to eliminate the risk of freezing. A professional plumber can evaluate each situation and prescribe options.

If you are staying home throughout the winter, most of the time constant use of water pipes is enough to prevent them from freezing and cracking open. When they do crack, they always have to be replaced and that can cost quite a bit of dough for the common man or woman. Even pipes that run inside the house walls can easily freeze when set against outer walls. Adding more insulation between the wall and the pipes is a really easy way to protect them from freezing. Wrapping pipes in insulated materials is like adding a winter coat to your body. You can feel the difference and so can your pipes. Prevention is everything when it comes to frozen pipes. Every option is reactionary and expensive. 

For more great tips and tricks to better care for your home plumbing, check out our website for great information. With the help of Roto Rooter, we can find solutions to plumbing problems large and small.

 

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Roto-Rooter is Your Minneapolis Plumber

January 13th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

When you find yourself facing a real plumbing problem, either at home or the workplace, you cannot risk taking your chances with an unproven, unreliable plumbing service that might be offering the “fancy deal” of the day. If you’re smart, you will see through the gimmicks and look for the best value, which includes not only a affordable pricing but quality workmanship, professional tools, and trusted experience, as well. You’ll reach for the phone and call the best plumbers in Minneapolis and the surrounding area – Roto-Rooter is America’s Neighborhood Plumber®.

More people rely on Roto-Rooter’s trusted name than any other company for both residential and commercial plumbing services and for good reason. Beyond the sterling backing of our national brand’s positive reputation – the result of providing years of excellent service – you can rest assured that your local job will be handled by a highly trained, local plumber who will deliver fast, dependable service.

Besides arriving in Roto-Rooter vehicle, wearing a company uniform and badge, the highly trained plumbing technician assigned to your job will have direct access to the best plumbing equipment, team members, and resources available in the Minneapolis area, guaranteeing that your job will be handled properly, professionally, and affordably. You don’t need to worry about additional risk that comes when hiring some fly-by-night, one-man show that may or may not deliver the results you need.

When it comes to picking plumbers in Minneapolis or the surrounding area, it’s simply not worth the risk of inviting a stranger into your home who does not come with the trusted name of Roto-Rooter. While other shady outfits might offer promises or special deals upfront, you cannot trust that they won’t stick it to you on the back end or have the tools and ability to handle your job. Not to mention, when opening your home or place of business up to someone who doesn’t come with name-brand backing or a trusted reputation for service, you are assuming greater risk.

Every single time you call Roto-Rooter, you can expect a free estimate for the highest quality service at a reasonable, fair price. Besides traditional plumbing services in Minneapolis, we also maintain a convenient 24/7 hotline for any plumbing emergencies you might face. We are here for you day and night.

 

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3 Basic Facts about Sump Pumps

December 21st, 2011 by pabrams

Water in your basement is a huge problem. Not only can it ruin your belongings, it can also weaken the structure of your building. Sump pump installation in a Minneapolis business or home can save a lot of money as prevent a lot of hassle in cleaning up a mess from water damage.

A typical sump tank or pit

Following is some general information about sump pumps For more information, call a Roto-Rooter Rep or plumber who can answer all your questions.

How They Work

Sump pumps are systems that are designed to collect water that gets into your basement and divert it safely away from the foundation of your building. Water can enter through joints between the walls and floor; cracks in the walls, or even from broken pipes. Since water always moves to the lowest point, that location is where a sump tank is installed. The water accumulates in the tank, which holds up to 25 gallons. Once it reaches a certain level, it is then pumped out of the tank and away from the house.

Different Types of Systems

There are two standard models: pedestal and submersible. The pedestal model mounts the motor on top of the tank. This makes it easy to service but also makes it visible. If the location is in a crawl space or a low-profile location, it won’t matter if it’s visible. The other type is ideal for locations where you don’t want it noticeable. The submersible motor rests inside the tank. It is tightly sealed so that water cannot leak into the parts and ruin it. The main drawback is that servicing the submersible type is more difficult.

There are also two different types of motors: electric and manual. With the manual motor, you need to physically turn it on and off. An electric motor has a switch that automatically turns on the pump whenever the water reaches a certain level in the tank. When the water is lower than that point, the motor is off. It is a good idea to have a battery backup with the electrical variety. With a battery backup the system can continue working even if the power goes out during heavy rain storms or spring snow melt when it is especially needed.

The Need for a Sump Pump

Plumbers recommend sump pump installation for all Minneapolis homes or businesses that have a structure underneath the ground. This includes crawl spaces and cellars in addition to a regular basement. This recommendation is even for those who do not live in a flood zone, because just an inch of water from a broken pipe or a heavy rain storm can cause a lot of damage. We all know how much water is produced by a Minnesota snow melt and a sump pump is an important last line of defense for your basement.

 

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How a Sump Pump Can Solve Your Flooding Problems

December 15th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Many homeowners are forced to deal with flooding and leaking issues in their basement, which can lead to mold, mildew, and a musky smell. A bad flood can also lead to costly repair services and can ruin some of your valued possessions. However, a simple Minneapolis sump pump installation may be enough to solve any flooding and leaking issues once and for all.

How Does It Work?

Sump pumps direct water from around and underneath the basement foundation into a sump pit at the lowest point. The water is then discharged out of the pit into the city storm drain. This will help to remove any excess water or moisture during a storm or in the event that your plumbing is leaking into the basement. Along with helping to cut back on mildew, this will also help to keep your plumbing repair costs to a minimum after a large storm.

Testing a Sump Pump

It can be difficult to determine if your sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced because it is located in the basement, which is not often frequented by homeowners. This is why it is so important to regularly test your sump pump to ensure that it is operating correctly and will work reliably for you during the next storm. You can easily test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure that the pump turns on and removes the water from the pit and then automatically shuts itself off within a few seconds.

The last thing you want is to have an Minneapolis sump pump installed in your home only to find that it does not work properly when you need it most. As a full service pluming company, Roto-Rooter plumbers have the skills, materials, and experience necessary to quickly and efficiently install the sump pump for you to ensure that it will perform optimally and can appropriately meet your needs. Along with offering timely services, affordable prices, and dedicated customer service, we also stand behind our work with a no hassle guarantee to ensure that you are completely satisfied.

Make sure to schedule a free estimate so that you can see what the costs of installation will be before we begin any work. If you have larger drainage needs, then make sure to mention this to one of our knowledgeable plumbers and they can provide you with more information about which backup options can best accommodate your needs.

 

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A Minneapolis plumbing company that exceeds expectations

July 9th, 2010 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

Here are a few of the many great compliments that Roto-Rooter's Minneapolis plumbers have received in the past few weeks. We feel it important to show these comments to prospective customers who may be shopping for a reliable Minneapolis plumber. The testimonials are printed in bold print and I've offered my response and /or clarifications next to them:

"Your technician did not leave a bit of a mess.  It was like he was never here." Our service technicians are trained and instructed to clean up after themselves so you don't have to.

"Called after dealing with several other plumbers, locally. Best service we've received." That's a high compliment. Roto-Rooter strives to offer outstanding customer service from the time you place the call until the time we drive away from your home or business. We want to be your Minneapolis plumbing company of choice.

"The Roto-Rooter Minneapolis plumber was extremely pleasant and professional. Kept everything very clean. He absolutely knew what he was doing and very helpful tips as well. We had a new toilet put in and he totally educated us on the process. Great guy!!!" Our best and most admired service technicians are the ones who take the time to explain what they are doing and how it will remedy the problem. We really do try to educate our customers.

If you or anyone you know need a local plumbing or drain cleaning company that you can count on call Roto-Rooter. We are your 24-hour plumbing company. To get your plumbing job done correctly, call Roto-Rooter of Minneapolis at 612-788-4950.

 

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Excellent Service Technicians in the Minneapolis Area

April 27th, 2010 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

We really appreciate when our customer at Roto-Rooter of Minneapolis are gracious enough to provide feedback about their service experience. We try to satisfy every Minneapolis plumbing customer but sometimes we thing the customer is happy when they aren't. They may call back later to speak with a manager and explain what made them unhappy so we can try and remedy the problem. The same goes for our satisfied customers. Their positive feedback lets us know when we've done a good job for them.

The following note was sent in to our offices concerning a recent residential service call:

"Outstanding Service in Minneapolis-

Your technician was very professional and does excellent work. He did a great job for me around the holidays and was so impressed with the work he did that I requested him again. I would also request him in the future. Sorry to have taken so long to extend this compliment. Also, it is nice that Roto-Rooter in Minneapolis sends you emails when you order service that verifies the work order. When the technician was on the way I recieved a call stating that he was coming. This was very helpful to me and I consider it to be great customer service."

As aways, we are here whenever you need us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We look forward to making sure you Get it Roto-Rooter Right! Call us at 612-788-4950.

 

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Get it done Roto-Rooter Right

November 10th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Another Happy Roto-Rooter Minneapolis plumbing Customer success:

A customer called the Roto-Rooter office of Minneapolis to explain what a great job our tech, John did. When called to clear his home's main line, John diagnosed the problem and did the work in a neat and efficient manner. The customer also added, he will most definitely call the Minneapolis plumbers of Roto-Rooter again for any future service needs.

If you would like to schedule service in the Minneapolis area call (763) 427-1926 and we will send someone out at anytime, 7 days a week. Feel free to check out our local Web site for more information as well.

Name: Angie Lemke, Minneapolis

 

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Another happy Minneapolis customer:

October 28th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Below is a statement from a very satisfied Minneapolis plumbing customer:
 
This is the second time we have used the Minneapolis Plumbers of Roto- Rooter for clogged drain issues, and always been impressed. The customer service your organization provides from the time we call until the time the technician leaves is above and beyond. Hats off to your company for continuing to impress us! It is nice to know that there is a Minneapolis plumbing company that provides such great service and does the job right.

If you too would like to receive outstanding customer service with any drain or plumbing problem visit our Web site or call 1-800-GET-ROTO.

Angie Lemke, Minneapolis Branch

 

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Roto-Rooter Plumbers Customer Survey .

October 16th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Roto-Rooter Plumber received a positive customer comment recently that I'd like to share:

How a sewer line is excavated and repaired using traditional digging methods"The Minneapolis plumbers at Roto-Rooter were very helpful with my plumbing emergency from start to end. The crew did a great job handling our sewer repair. Thank you. I know who to call for my all of my plumbing emergencies from now on. Roto-Rooter is my Minneapolis plumbing company of choice."

During her emergency, we noticed a problem with her main sewer line. We sent out a sewer solution specialist to locate the problem underground. Our Technician noticed an offset and other breaks in her main line, which we fixed with an excavation. We know that it's reassuring for our customers to have a Minneapolis Plumbing company that has all the tools to get the job done, whether it's a sewer cleaning, complete sewer repair, kitchen plumbing jobs or a simple faucet repair in the bathroom.

Name: Angie Lemke, Roto-Rooter of Minneapolis

 

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Clogged Kitchen Sink

April 30th, 2009 by Ray Lee Master Plumbers
I recently had plumbing services done at my home. The plumber snaked the pipe for a kitchen sink clog as the kitchen sink was draining slow. Why wouldn't he check the line going out of the house first for blockage, then snake the rest of the house?

If the kitchen sink is draining slow, local plumbing companies will always snake the kitchen drain first.  A kitchen sink line is a very small drain line, typically the pipe size of 1-1/2 inch to 2" underground. A snake that fits and cleans a 2-inch pipe will not work in a 4-inch sewer drain that leaves the home. To clear a 4-inch line, you have to use a 4-inch snake, which requires a main line cable machine. A plumber will not pull out that machine if he knows that it is a kitchen line that is running slow. The main line machine is a much bigger machine that weighs a lot and has a 3/4 inch cable. If no other plumbing fixture in your home is running slow, like toilets or tubs, then the Minneapolis plumber will only clear the kitchen line.

Call Roto-Rooter if you need Minneapolis plumbing assistance with any kitchen plumbing job.

Visit our Web site to get helpful kitchen plumbing tips

Learn more about Pipe Shield, Roto-Rooter's drain care product that's safe for the environment.

 

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