ask a plumber Archives

What to Expect When You’re Expecting (A Bathroom Remodel)

Posted on August 27, 2026August 28, 2026 by Charlie Avoles

How to plan a bathroom remodel. There are two reasons that people choose to remodel a bathroom. The first reason is to improve the bathroom’s appearance. This is referred to as a surface remodel, as you are just replacing things to make it prettier. The second reason is to improve the bathroom’s functionality or repair […]

How do I make sure my water is safe? Ask a Plumber…

Posted on July 30, 2026July 30, 2026 by Charlie Avoles

How do you know if your water is safe to drink and bathe in? City Water Safety If the water to your home is coming from a municipal water department, you can be sure that your water is safe for consumption. Most municipal water departments produce a water report that is available to view online. […]

Water Meters: What do you need to know? Ask A Plumber

Posted on July 2, 2026July 3, 2026 by Charlie Avoles

How much do you know about the water meter in your home? Every house connected to municipal water has a water meter. The local municipality uses your water meter to measure how much water you use, and you are billed based on the meter reading. Most cities measure your water usage quarterly and bill you […]

Getting your Outdoor Faucets Ready for Spring

Posted on May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 by Charlie Avoles

It’s Time to Spring-Check Your Outdoor Faucets Winter can mess with outdoor faucets. If water froze in the pipes, they may have cracked something, even if you can’t see it yet. Small leaks can turn into water damage, higher bills, and emergency repair calls. Once it warms up, your outdoor faucets get used a lot. […]

How To Prepare Your Lawn Faucets For Spring: Ask A Plumber

Posted on May 7, 2026May 8, 2026 by Charlie Avoles

After a long, cold Minnesota winter, it’s finally time to get your outdoor faucets ready for spring. Properly reopening your lawn faucets is essential to prevent leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely energize your outdoor water system for the season. Why Winterizing Matters The Danger of Frozen Pipes Minnesota […]

Why do you need plumbing vents? – Ask a Plumber

Posted on April 23, 2026April 23, 2026 by Charlie Avoles

Understanding Plumbing Vents: What Every Homeowner Should Know Properly functioning plumbing vents are essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing system in your home. Without them, your drains can become slow, foul odors may develop, and dangerous sewer gases could enter your living spaces. In this guide, we’ll explore what plumbing vents are, why […]