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St Paul Plumbing Repair and DIY Tips From The Roto-Rooter Pros

February 18th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

With the need for plumbing repair in St Paul growing, Roto-Rooter has been on call 24/7 to arrive on the scene. In our many experiences, we have found that the bulk of serious damage to a home happens during a plumbing crisis, which typically cause water damage, mold, warped wood and property destruction. Many of these situations usually could have been avoided with simple DIY care and a little knowledge to get started. In order to help you take better care of your home’s plumbing needs, here is a list of easy DIY tips for simple repair and care.

  • Experiencing the Water heater blues. The large tank in your seller, basement, or bathroom that is responsible for comfortable hot showers can hit the fritz and leave you taking icicles in the shower. One of the easiest ways to keep a water heater running properly is to make sure that only water coming from a water softener passes through the system. The working parts of a water heater erode much faster with hard water and will breakdown more frequently. Keeping your water softener full of salt will also help keep the rest of the appliances and faucets in your home in better condition.
  • A clogged toilet catastrophe. There is nothing like a clogged toilet to make you realize how important flowing drains are. As water hits the floor and the smell hits your nose, remember that these events can be minimized and even avoided if you continually keep the following in mind. For one, using pipe cleaner every now and again is a great way to strip the sides of a drain free of debris and garbage. Also, minimizing the amount of toilet paper used per flush helps considerably lower the likelihood of a clog. Although toilet paper is designed for toilet bowl use, it can quickly clog up a toilet if too much is used at once.
  • Frozen pipes. Every winter, thousands of home get hit with frozen pipes and flooding. When water in a pipe begins to freeze, little pockets of air try to escape as the pressure builds. If the air is truly trapped, it will burst through a pipe making a crack or shattering it altogether. Flooding will usually quickly follow. Using more insulation, especially in the outer walls of a home will help minimize the possibility of freezing and save you a headache or two during the winter.

For more plumbing repair in St Paul suggestions or information on how we can help, call Roto-Rooter today!

 

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Roto-Rooter Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Better St Paul Home Care

February 17th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Home care comes with a long list of important responsibilities. Keeping a house clean and orderly takes more than just a couple minutes everyday if you plan on doing most things yourself. In order to better take care of plumbing in St Paul, we have compiled a few tips and suggestions for maintaining your plumbing. We are Roto-Rooter and plumbing is our expertise. Since 1935 we have made it a priority to provide excellent service and great products to cover any plumbing-related job. With the experience we have gained over the years, we are more than qualified to help educate anyone who wants to take better care of their plumbing. Doing so will save time and money in the long run as serious problems can be averted. Consider the following:

  • Leaky pipes are probably the most common plumbing issue on the planet, a drippy pipe is a nuisance. It can also be easy to fix. Using an adjustable wrench and a cloth to protect the faucet, loosen the nut holding the faucet head in place. Once the head is removed, take a look inside. Notice the washer sitting against the sit; its job is to act as a switch, sealing off the flow of water, or allowing it to flow as it moves back and forth. With this repetitive motion and the natural erosive effects of water, these washers become jostled or warped. If simply jostled out of place, simply wiggle it back into place and the job is done. If there are still issues, replace the washer and your faucet will function properly once again.
  • A clogged anything is terrible, and drains are no exception to that fact. Once a week, try performing some simple 5-minute maintenance procedures to keep your drains flowing free and easy. In the shower, use a screwdriver to pull out any hair caught in the drain. In the kitchen sink, make sure there aren’t copious amounts of food sitting in the drain. Use a filter to catch the stray food from dishes and throw it out regularly. Pour several cups of boiling water down both of these drains. The heat loosens up gunk and grime stuck to the side of the drain and pushes it along. Adding a bit of vinegar and baking soda can additionally make an even more potent mix to strip away stragglers.

For more information on plumbing in St Paul and how we can help, call Roto-Rooter today.

 

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Roto-Rooter Plumbers Make a Difference: DIY Tips from the St Paul Pros

February 11th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

With the growing need of plumbers in St Paul, Roto-Rooter has the experience and manpower to rise to the occasion. The fact is at some point or another, every home and business will need the expertise that we have been known for since 1935. When things get messy and out of control, trained Roto-Rooter technicians are on call to provide a level of service other companies have to work hard to keep up with. With a dedication to great service and products, you’re in good hands. What can you do, however, before we get there? Regular maintenance at home can help prevent serious problems like flooding from happening. Here are some tips and trick for everyday plumbing care.

 

  • Clogged drains are a pain. Most clogs don’t happen all of a sudden, so it can seem mysterious when you finally notice the problem. Bathroom drains are usually easily fixed as human hair gets trapped along with soap residue and grease. Using a screwdriver to pull out the hair and some pipe cleaner, your bath and shower will be working like new again. The kitchen sink often time’s gets too much food and grease. Especially those that do not have a garbage disposal, clogs happen quite often. Boiling water with baking soda and vinegar will do the trick. The hot boiling water will loosen the gunk while the baking soda makes and vinegar with increased acidity will eat away at what is left clinging to the sides.
  • Frozen pipes. Many plumbers in St Paul deal with them every winter. What most people don’t realize is that it isn’t the freezing water that causes pipes to burst, it is the air. As the cold water turns to ice, little pockets of air get trapped and get compressed. When the air pressure gets too high, they air will actually crack and burst through the pipe. In some cases, pipes can completely shatter. To avoid this, it is important to make sure that pipes running through outer walls are well insulated. Beefing up the insulation between the wall and pipe will keep dropping temperatures from doing serious damage.
  • Drippy faucets are a headache waiting to happen. While a small drip doesn’t seems like a big deal, if left along long enough water will actually ruin a faucet head. Removing a faucet head and simply putting the sealant washer back into place will fix the issue. If it is warped at all, replacing it with a new one that fits will do the job, too.

For more help, call Roto-Rooter today!

 

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Roto-Rooter Offers St Paul Water Heater Information: Tank-less Work

February 10th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

We all love a hot shower. One of the joys of waking up early is the relaxing time in a hot shower or bath. That moment when the cold water hits you is a terrible one. Collapsing to the shower floor and feeling the relentless burn of the icy water can be more brutal than medieval torture. If you are in the need of water heater repair in St Paul, say no more. Roto-Rooter is on call and waiting to service. Whether you buy a replacement with us or another business, we will install the system as soon as you call and get your hot water back on line.

Traditional Water Heaters

They use lots of energy to heat the extra large tank of water. The water needs to be kept warm all day so that the moment water is needed, warm goodness will be there to greet you. Also, these big tanks seem to break down every so often and on average only last about 11 years, 13 years at the most. Hard water over the course of time wreaks havoc on a water heater and can wear down your system, shaving away years of life quickly. After a decade, and with a price tag of a few thousands dollars, it can hit your wallet hard when you least expect it to.

Tank-less Work

 If you could lower your monthly energy costs and save a few hundred dollars every year, would you do it? Believe it or not, but your water heater isn’t doing you any favors. New tank-less water heaters make hot water on-demand and boost energy efficiency seven-fold. Since your water heater doesn’t have to work all day keeping a giant bucket of water warm, it just switches on as water passes through and quickly zaps it hot. Another benefit of using this new technology is that it lasts much long, anywhere between 20-25 years if taken care of properly.

Safety First

 Much of the water heater repair in St Paul and other areas around the country is a result of serious water burns. Older water heaters have an extremely high max temperature. Make sure to set your max temperature is a reasonable level that will not burn your skin. If you have an older heater, call Roto-Rooter today to do a full inspection and make sure that your max temperature set on the device matches up with the actual temperature of the hot water is it making.

For more information, call Roto-Rooter today with your questions and concerns.

 

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St Paul Faucet Repair Tips from Roto-Rooter

February 3rd, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Plumbing is all around you. Everywhere you go, there is a network of pipes weaving in and out of building 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 gets 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 St Paul, 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 St Paul 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. 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 and damaged beyond use.

Taking your faucet into any Roto-Rooter service center, and professional technician can help you find the appropriate replacement that will fit perfectly. In no time your faucet will be working correctly again.

 

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How a Roto-Rooter Sump Pump Install Can Solve Flooding Problems in St Paul

January 31st, 2012 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 St Paul 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 St Paul 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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Plumbing Tips and Tricks for Better Flow: Roto-Rooter St Paul

January 27th, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Are you a careful homeowner? Do you take pride in the upkeep of your home? Do you like to stay 5 steps ahead on our to-do list? Surprisingly, even the most astute housekeeper will overlook the plumbing until there is water on the floor. Don’t be too hard on yourself; after all, plumbing is out of sight and out of mind. St Paul Plumbing giant, Roto-Rooter, is the trusted name in quality plumbing care. We have been around since 1935 and have seen just about everything you can imagine. With millions of happy customers and great products to boot, we are excited to share some great tips and tricks for better flow in your plumbing.

Clogged toilets are the most common problem that people deal with. They happen all the time because they are used so much. Over the course of a few weeks, a toilet can get clogged just when you least expect it. To prevent toilet clogs, consider the following:

  • Never flush solid objects. Rocks, plastic, garbage, toys, food, and much more do not belong in the toilet. Many people treat their commodes like a garbage disposal and end up with serious blockages that can cause overflowing.
  • Only flush natural waste and toilet paper. Even those things can leave residue buildup that can quickly turn into a full on clog. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve easily for flushing, but use too much of it at a time and you’re looking at toilet plunger duty.
  • Clean your throne. As the king or queen of the house, you need to keep it classy. Toilets need to be cleaned regularly using cleaning products formulated for toilet bowl care.

Leaky faucets are another common problem plaguing bathrooms and kitchens all over the world. Most people ignore them if they are only a bit drippy. The problem is that over time leaky faucets can get worse and worse as the dripping water corrodes its way through the brass fittings. After a while, your faucet may be beyond repair and require a complete replacement.

When you notice that your faucet is a bit leaky, take the head off the spout and take a look inside. You should see a washer inside set against the seat. Water presses on this washer and it keeps water out when the faucet is turned off. If you notice that it doesn’t fit right anymore, take it in to a Roto-Rooter professional to help you find a replacement washer. With a little love, your faucet will be like new again.

 

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Roto Rooter St Paul Advice: Prevent Frozen Pipes

January 23rd, 2012 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Every year when the temperature drops, a common problem affects many homes and businesses: frozen pipes in St Paul. 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 St Paul is an important plan of action to have. If you leave for the winter or 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 or you will still come home to damaged pipes. The reason being is that it isn’t the actual ice that breaks pipes. If you have ever had a pipe break like this, you will always find that the crack 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 reeks 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 temperatures outside so quickly. Insulation will actually prevent a pipe from freezing even if its temperature drops below freezing. Roto Rooter also provides great pipe insulating that wraps around the pipe like a winter coat and can add yet even more protection against the cold. 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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Roto-Rooter is the St Paul Plumber to Choose!

January 20th, 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 unreliable plumbing service that may 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 affordable pricing, but quality workmanship, professional tools and trusted experience as well. You’ll reach for the phone and call the best plumbers in St Paul 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. 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  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 St Paul 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 may 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 a 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 St Paul, 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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7 FAQs about Sump Pumps

December 16th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

If you have ever had a flood in your basement, you know what an awful experience it is. Even an inch of water can wreak havoc. To prevent such

A typical sump pit where ground water surrounding a basement is collected and pumped out

problems consider sump pump installation in St. Paul businesses and homes. Following are seven basic FAQs about sump pumps.

What is a sump pump?

It is a system designed to remove water from your basement. It consists of a drainage tank where water can safely accumulate and a pump that will remove the water out of the container and divert it to another location.

What is the capacity of the drainage tank?

Most tanks contain between 15 and 25 gallons of water.

Who needs a sump pump?

Basically anyone who has a structure that is underneath the ground should have a sump pump. This includes crawl spaces and cellars as well as basements.

How does water get in the basement?

There are three basic ways you can get water in your house, 1. Your house rests on a high water table and water seeps in through the basement joints and cracks; 2. Water accumulates around your basement walls during storms; or 3. A pipe breaks.

How does it work?

When water enters your basement, it flows to the lowest point, which is where the tank is strategically located. The water flows into the tank and collects there. When the water reaches a certain level, it is then pumped out of the tank and taken away from the foundation of your home.

Is the water automatically removed from the tank?

This depends on what type of system you have. If you have an electric one, it will automatically turn on once the water reaches a certain level. With these systems, it is important to have a battery backup sump pump. If you have a manual system, then you will need to turn it on yourself whenever you want water removed.

What types of sump pumps are available?

Two different kinds are the pedestal and submersible. The motor for the pedestal type sits on top of the tank. This makes it easier to service, but it is also visible. The submersible motor is mounted inside of the tank. It is sealed to prevent water from seeping into the parts. Naturally, it is more difficult to service, but has the advantage of being less noticeable.

Sump pump installation in the St. Paul area is a wise move for both homes and businesses. Not only can it help keep your belongings and important papers safe, but it also helps protect the structural integrity of your building. Call a Roto-Rooter Rep today for more information.

 

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Preventative Maintenance

October 22nd, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

Being proactive about maintaining the health of your drains is the first step to avoid any messy and unnecessary surprises, like clogged drains, when you least expect it. We can help you customize a drain maintenance program that can be performed on a regular basis that will minimize the need for any emergency work whether it is residential or commercial.

The North St. Paul plumbers at Roto-Rooter can put together a preventative maintenance agreement for your house or place of business. To ensure that it is being kept up on, we will personally call to remind you when it’s time for us to clean your drains and schedule your next appointment. These customers receive significant discounts off the regular rates and the agreement never expires unless you choose to discontinue service.

So, if your home and/or business are having frequent drain issues, Roto-Rooter, your local North St. Paul plumbing company, is here to assist. If you want to prevent kitchen sink clogs and keep your garbage disposer operating properly, avoid any stringy vegetables such as celery, asparagus, rhubarb, corn husks, etc. Also, avoid putting pasta down the drain and use plenty of water. LET THE WATER RUN FOR ABOUT 1 MINUTE AFTER THE DISPOSAL HAS STOPPED GRINDING. The same goes for peelings from carrots and potatoes and others. Positively no grease should ever go down the kitchen sink drain. It will harden in the pipes. Put grease into a jar and throw it out in the trash. Wipe greasy plates and pans off with a paper towel before washing them. 

Use a lint trap on laundry discharge hose, use a hair snare for the bathtub and dhow drains. Only toilet paper should go into a toilet bowl, no pre-moistened wipes, feminine hygiene products, facial tissue or paper towels. Never throw dental floss or Q-Tips down a toilet.

Angie Lemke
Roto-Rooter of St. Paul, Minnesota

 

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Great Service

October 22nd, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

A customer recently sent in a nice testimonial about the good work the South St. Paul plumbers from Roto-Rooter did for her:

"Recently I had a floor drain backing up. I called Roto-Rooter and they sent over a South St. Paul plumber to take care of the issue. Technician #654 came to my house very promptly and while looking over the situation he noticed that there were multiple plumbing problems that needed to be resolved. He made his recommendations and after discussing them with me he proceeded to accomplish the tasks in a most professional manner.

We had a couple of minor kitchen plumbing jobs that he solved quickly and he also took care of a clogged drain problem. I was relieved to find out that I didn’t need a sewer repair, but some of our branch lines just a good drain cleaning. I hope we never have this problem again but if we do please send technician #654 back to hour home."

- Sylvia B.
St. Paul, MN

We always like to hear from our customers. We especially like to get compliments like Sylvia’s. Who doesn’t? But, if we make a mistake, we want to hear about it so we can make it right.

Angie Lemke
Roto-Rooter of St. Paul

 

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Thanks

September 25th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

One of our St. Paul plumbing customers was kind enough to take the time to send in this compliment. We thing these testimonials are the best way we can show how we try our best to satisfy our customers.

"We have been using Kevin at Roto-Rooter for many years now. We would want no other drain specialist in our building. He lets me know when he will arrive and he is alwCutaway view of a sewre pipe showing root intrusionays on time. He does a great job and cleans up when he is done. When we have had clogged drains in the past, Kevin gets to us right away. Minor or major local plumbing jobs are no problem either. When it comes to an emergency, he or an associate gets here immediately. We really appreciate the timely response. We truly feel like Roto-Rooter values our business, and for that reason we won’t use any other St. Paul plumber. Keep up the great work."

- Aimee J.
St. Paul, Minnesota

Aimee, Roto-Rooter is the best drain cleaning company in the nation because our founder invented the Roto-Rooter machine and then built a company around the invention. Nobody tries harder than us.

Roto-Rooter Plumbers of St. Paul

 

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Thanks

September 23rd, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

The following customer note arrived the other day. I want to share it on our blog to show others how we satisfied our customers:

"The service Roto-Rooter in St. Paul provided was excellent. From the time I called, I had someone at the door within a half hour. The service I received from both over the phone and in person was great. Your St. Paul plumber solved my problem and was clean and neat. Roto-Rooter is my new plumber! 

- Cheri & Jerry M. 
Vadnais Heights, MN

It is worth noting that while we were at this customer’s home, we conducted a quick but thorough inspection of their residential plumbing system. We discovered three different leaks that were costing them money on their water bills. The jobs required easy fixes but they’ll notice a big difference in water usage. Yes, you have many choices when it comes to St. Paul plumbing companies, but I’ll put our service up against any of them.

Cory Herbert, general manager
Roto-Rooter of St. Paul

 

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How Old is Your House?

February 4th, 2009 by Ray Lee Master Plumbers

Most sewer lines installed in the early part of the century were made from clay or cast iron, before research and development helped us understand the best materials to use for residential plumbing.

Clay piping was used until the 1960′s, which was supplemented during World War II with cast iron and Orangeburg.

About 70% of all homes built before World War II need major repair of replacement of their sewer lines. And homes between 50 and 70 years old will have to repair or replace their main sewer line.

There are several options:
• Annual sewer cleaning
• Pipe Relining
• Pipe Replacement

Damaged Pipe in need of RepairThe cost to reline or replace is expensive, but the annual cost of the sewer cleaning and/or additional plumbing problems can add up. It’s best to have a professional St. Paul plumber camera the line. That way you will know exactly where the issues are and you can begin saving for the costly sewer repair.

If you have any questions St. Paul plumbing questions, one of our Master Plumbers will be happy to assist you.

 

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