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
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
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 […]
Freezing Pipes: Keep Your Pipes Safe in Minnesota Winters
Well, it’s that time of year again. Freezing temperatures are right around the corner, and the risk of freezing pipes will be on the rise. Each year, St Paul Pipeworks receives a call to a house where the metal water pipes have frozen in the house during the winter. These “freeze and break” situations occur […]
Gas Leaks: Do You Smell Gas In Your House? Ask a Plumber…
What to do if you think you have a gas leak in your home. In the plumbing industry, we have a healthy respect for the dangers of gas leaks. If there is too much gas and a flame occurs, an explosion can happen. Detecting Gas Leaks There is a distinct odorant called Mercaptan added to […]
What’s the difference between a Drum Trap and a P-Trap? Ask A Plumber…
Historical Context of Drum Traps In the early 20th century, drum traps were a common fixture in residential plumbing systems, particularly under bathtubs. These cylindrical devices, typically measuring about the size of a large coffee can, played a crucial role in maintaining household sanitation. The primary function of drum traps was to create a water […]