Shutting The Water Off For The Winter
It’s not uncommon in Minnesota for people to pack up and head to warmer climates during the winter months. One common question we at Dan’s Plumbing and Septic are asked is how to properly shut off the water to the entire house to ensure pipes don’t freeze. This simple task is especially important if you plan to turn your furnace down to save electricity or should the power go out and interior temperatures drop. This can keep your pipes from freezing to the point of bursting and can save you thousands of dollars in repair bills. So, what is the proper way to ensure all the pipes are safe? Let’s break the process down step-by-step:
It is a known fact that Minnesota deals with prolonged, bitterly cold temperatures during the winter months. In fact, records show that January alone averages 12oF! With temperatures this low, how can you ensure that your water supply lines inside and out don’t freeze? The plumbing professionals at Dan’s Plumbing and Septic know plumbing systems and know Minnesota winters, so we offer some tips for protecting one of the larger investments in your home or business – you’re plumbing.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, approximately 1 in every 5 Minnesotans (or roughly 1.2 million people) get their water from a private well, rather than city water sources. Every county in Minnesota has people that are regularly using well water as their primary well source. According to this same department, every resident is responsible for checking the quality of their own water. This means that you are responsible for ensuring that the water is healthy for everyone inside of your home.
Minnesotans are reported to use approximately 52 gallons of water per person, per day. Nearly 80% of this water comes from public utilities, while others use private wells. It is also reported that the North Central US has some of the hardest water in all of the country, with Minneapolis ranking 3rd in the US for having the hardest water. So, what is hard water, and what can you do about it? Read on to find out…
As temperatures begin to fall and the nights get colder, it’s a sign that fall is on our doorsteps. Fall brings many wonderful colors to the leaves, cooler days which get more people outdoors, and is a precursor to the cold winter months that are inevitable. If you notice, even wild animals use the fall to prepare for the winter – gathering food and seeking out proper shelter for hibernation. Most people do not engage in this preparation until it’s too late. Consider using the fall season to prepare your home’s plumbing for the winter months. Taking some simple preparatory steps can save you
A properly maintained residential septic tank should never smell. That means a bad odor inside the home or near the leach field is not a good sign. Smelly septic tanks are a result of the presence of gasses in the system, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane. The pH levels in these gasses are too acidic for the microorganisms in the tank to digest the organic matter, causing the tank to smell. Not only are these odors unpleasant, but a high concentration of a combination of these gasses can be explosive or even toxic. Luckily, septic tank odors may be remedied relatively easily using a few common household products.