Facts and Tips Archives

Water Pipes vs. Waste Pipes: What’s the difference? Ask A Plumber

Posted on April 6, 2023April 20, 2023 by Charlie Avoles

Can you tell the difference in the plumbing pipes in your home? Let’s explore Water Pipes vs. Waste Pipes When you are trying to identify whether a pipe inside your home is a water pipe or a waste pipe, the easiest way to do so is by size. The waste system pipes are generally larger […]

My Sewer is Backing Up – Help! – Ask a Plumber

Posted on March 23, 2023March 28, 2023 by Charlie Avoles

Why does my sewer keep backing up? An individual fixture in your home can get backed up, or the main sewer line that goes underneath your basement floor can be backed up. If you are having multiple fixtures in your house backing up at the same time, especially backing up down in the basement floor […]

Low Water Pressure? Here’s what’s wrong and how to fix it

Posted on March 16, 2023March 16, 2023 by Charlie Avoles

There are few things worse than taking a steamy shower, only to be interrupted by a sudden stream of cold, trickling water when a toilet flushes. Having low water pressure can be highly frustrating. From slow dishwashing cycles to showers that feel more like a sprinkle, low water pressure can disrupt the way your home […]

Why do you need plumbing vents? – Ask a Plumber

Posted on March 9, 2023March 16, 2023 by Charlie Avoles

What are plumbing vents, and why do you need them? In short, to keep the stink out! The plumbing system in your home is designed to remove waste and wastewater efficiently from your house. It has two different systems, a drainage system and a vent system, that work together to do so. Every plumbing fixture […]

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

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by Charlie Avoles

St Paul Pipeworks plumbers are experiencing an increase in calls from customers that want to take out a bathtub and put a walk-in shower in its place. As people age they find it becoming more difficult to get in and out of bathtubs. Another good reason is that in general, most people prefer showering over […]

Why do I have two pumps in my basement? Ask a Plumber

Posted on February 23, 2023February 27, 2023 by Charlie Avoles

What is a waste ejector? A common plumbing device in many homes is a sump pump. The purpose of the sump pump is to pump excess groundwater away from your house into your yard or a storm sewer. It pumps groundwater, not wastewater that has gone through your plumbing system. There also may be a […]