ask a plumber Archives

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

Posted on July 3, 2025July 8, 2025 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 make the bathroom look better. This is referred to as a surface remodel as you are just replacing things to make it prettier. The second reason is to make the bathroom function better […]

Water Meters: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on June 19, 2025June 20, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

Almost every house has a water meter. The job of the water meter is to measure how much water your household is using, which determines the amount you will be billed for water usage. Most water bills are sent quarterly rather than every month. Many municipalities also bill for wastewater disposal based on how much […]

Understanding Hard Water in the Twin Cities: A Plumber’s Perspective

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

As your local plumbing experts at St Paul Pipeworks, we’re often asked about hard water—what it is, how it affects your home, and what you can do about it. Living in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, hard water is a fact of life for many, but not all, communities. Let’s break it down from a […]

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

Posted on May 1, 2025May 2, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

How to Open Your Outdoor Faucets in Spring After a Minnesota Winter 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 […]

Why do you need plumbing vents? – Ask a Plumber

Posted on April 17, 2025April 21, 2025 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 […]

Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower? Ask a Plumber

Posted on March 20, 2025March 20, 2025 by Charlie Avoles

The Rise of Walk-In Showers: A Modern Bathroom Trend St Paul Pipeworks, a team of experienced plumbers, is witnessing a surge in requests from homeowners who wish to replace their bathtub with a walk-in shower. As people age, the task of getting in and out of bathtubs becomes more challenging. Additionally, the preference for showering […]