Another summer is history and fall is officially here.  It’s time to get started on your fall maintenance list.  It’s much easier working on these projects while it’s still pleasant outside, so don’t put these projects off until the first snow. The last thing we want to happen is for our outdoor faucets to freeze up causing pipes to burst and water to run wild inside our walls.

Make Sure Your Outside Faucets Don’t Freeze!

Frost-proof faucet

Frost-proof faucet - A frost-proof faucet stops the water far inside the warm house to prevent freezing. If the handle on your faucet is level with the pipe, it's a frost-proof model.

A frost-proof faucet stops the water far inside the warm house to prevent freezing. If the handle on your faucet is level with the pipe, it’s a frost-proof model.

Outdoor faucets are the first plumbing parts to freeze and burst when the temperature drops. So always close the supply shutoff valve inside the house before you leave or head off on vacation. This is a good idea even if you have a frostproof faucet, since you’ll probably turn down the thermostat when you leave home. After turning off the supply shutoff, open the outside faucets to drain the remaining water out of the pipes. Never leave a hose connected to an outdoor faucet: It traps water in the faucet, which can freeze and crack open the faucet.

Frozen pipes in the winter time aren’t anything new to Minnesota homeowners.

The problem with a dripping outside faucet in the winter isn’t the massive ice rink that can form under the tap, it’s the possibility of the pipes freezing and bursting.

Frozen outside faucet tap

When you have an outside faucet that is dripping it indicates that either you don’t have an interior shut off valve or that the valve is failing. Every fall, when it gets cold enough to freeze, homeowners should shut off and drain the water going to the outside water spigots.

If you have a drip coming from the outside faucet even when the internal shut off is closed, you have the potential of having pipes freeze and burst during the cold winter months. You need to have the problem valve addressed by having it repaired or replaced.

Make sure that you do preventative maintenance on all of your outside faucets to prevent a very cold, wet, and costly problem down the road. Paying to have a plumber replace a faulty valve will cost you significantly less than having to pay for emergency plumbing service work when you have a pipe freeze and break in the middle of the night.

Prevention is always better than cure. Talk to a Minnesota Professional Plumber for other ways avoid plumbing problems this winter.

Water heaters can be a very dangerous home appliance.  With lack of or improper maintenance the water heater can become a ticking time bomb.  An exploding 30-gallon water heater has the force of a stick of dynamite and has the power to destroy a house and injure or kill those inside.  Experts report one-third of all water heater TPR valves are not operational because of mineral buildup, rust or corrosion. “MythBusters” has done an experiment to test the “myth” and discovered that the myth is actually reality.

Now, order for this to happen, certain things have to fail to work properly.  The most important safety feature on the water heater is the “T & P valve”.  “T & P” stands for temperature and pressure.  This valve is responsible for relieving any excessive pressure and/or temperature.  If anything else, such as the gas valve, stops functioning properly the T & P valve is there as a final level of protection against an unsafe temperature or pressure.

The T & P valve should be tested a minimum of once per year.  The test is simple – there is a lever on the end of the T & P valve (in the picture it is located at the top, silver in color) that you need to lift out from the valve.  You need to make sure that you are safely positioned so as not to be struck by the discharge of water.  You also want to make sure that where the water discharges to is not going to cause any water damage, or that you catch the discharge in a bucket.  This test will determine if the T & P valve is working properly.

Sometimes the valve does fail after this test.  If that is the case you have determined that the valve is in need of repair.  Before performing this test, know where your shut off valves are, so that you can shut off the water if the T & P valve does leak.

If you are uncomfortable performing this test, contact a Minnesota plumber to do it for you.  Also, here is the link to the “MythBusters” Exploding Water Heater Video.

Your water heater may only need maintenance. Sediment can flushed and key components are replaceable. A plumber will diagnose the cause of your hot water heater problem and explain what is causing your problem. Our home plumbing experts will check the pressure relief valve, drain your tank to remove any sediment (if recommended), inspect the tank and connections for rust, wear or corrosion, replace worn anode rods, and more.

If you need to replace your water heater a technician will explain all your options and make sure your replacement is properly sized to serve your family’s needs.

Water Filtration and Water Softener Systems MN

Do you have hard water in your home?  Maybe you’re not even sure.  One sign could be plumbing problems caused by mineral build up clogging your pipes.  Hard water doesn’t just wreak havoc on your pipes. It also reduces the lifespan of water-using appliances – like your water heater.  You might also notice shower heads and sink fixtures can becoming clogged and your dishes look cloudy or feel gritty.

Hard water is water with a high mineral content. Specifically, high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions.

Household water softeners are ion exchange devices. Ion exchange involves removing the hardness ions calcium and magnesium and replacing them with non-hardness ions, typically sodium supplied by dissolved sodium chloride salt, or brine. The softener contains a microporous exchange resin, usually sulfonated polystyrene beads that are supersaturated with sodium to cover the bead surfaces. As water passes through this resin bed, calcium and magnesium ions attach to the resin beads and loosely the held sodium is released from the resin into the water.

The ion exchange water softening process can remove nearly all calcium and magnesium from source water. Consumers can check the water softeners manufacturer’s ratings for removal of these contaminants. Concentrations of iron and magnesium may require pretreatment such as greensand water filters to increase the lifespan of the softener.

Scientific testing has focused on the impact of soft water on the life and energy use of appliances commonly used in U.S. homes, including all types of water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers as well as plumbing fixtures such as showerheads and faucets.

Softened Water Benefit Studies

The net results of the Battelle study proved, beyond any doubt that by maintaining a high level of efficiency, home water heaters, faucets, showerheads, and various appliances will use significantly less energy, and result in a dramatically decreased carbon footprint. Appliances will last longer, also contributing to less waste and land fill and finally improved health by eliminating scaled surfaces that could harbor pathogenic bacteria.

The Water Quality Association (WQA) Research Foundation funded two important studies to quantify the benefits of softened water.

In 2010, the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio, completed a study of the effects of hard water on:

1. Water heaters and
2. Plumbing fixtures such as low flow showerheads and faucets, and laundry, washers and dishwashers.

The results are summarized below:

1. Gas Storage Water Heaters

a. Hard water caused as much as a 24% loss of efficiency in water heaters

b. Water heaters operated on softened water maintained the original factory efficiency rating over a 15 year lifetime

c. The carbon footprint of a gas water heater increases 18% when operated on hard water

2. Electric Water Heaters

a. Each 5 grains per gallon of hardness causes 0.4 pounds of scale accumulation each year – that’s 2 pounds per year on 25 grain water

b. The life of the heating element in an electric water heater can be expected to shorten due to scale buildup causing an increase in temperature in the element

3. Tankless Water Heaters

a. Tankless heaters completely failed to function because of scale plugging after only 1.6 years

b. Tankless heaters operated on softened water maintained the original factory efficiency rating over a 15 year lifetime

c. The economic savings of softened water with tankless heaters can lead to recovery of the cost of softening the water in a period as short as a year

d. The carbon footprint of a tankless heater increases 4% when operated on hard water

Showerheads

a. Showerheads on hard water lost 75% of flow in less than 18 months

b. Showerheads on softened water maintained a brilliant luster and full flow

Left:  Showerhead with soft well water (<1 grain per gallon) showing spray pattern. Battelle testing for Water Quality Association.

Right:  Showerhead with hard well water showing spray pattern. Battelle testing for Water Quality Association

5. Faucets

a. Faucets on hard water could not maintain the specified 1.25 gallon per minute flow rate because of scale

b. The strainers on faucets using hard water were almost completely plugged from scale after the equivalent of 19 days of testing

Results after 19 days of testing. The faucet strainer on the left is using softened water and the faucet strainer on the right is using hard water.

6. Laundry Washers & Dish Washers

a. Dish washers and laundry washers using softened water were free of any scale buildup

b. Units on hard water had noticeable scale buildup after only 30 days of testing

c. Although all appliances completed the same number of use cycles (240) the units on hard water showed the need to be “delimed” and cleaned due to scale deposits

Dishwasher with water softener

Dishwasher with no water softener

The Battelle Institute study concluded that:

1. Gas and instantaneous water heaters using softened water will:

a. Eliminate or minimize the scale forming compounds in the water and thus

b. Result in more efficient water heating than using hard water and will

c. Result in water heater efficiency remaining constant over the life of the water heater

2. In contrast gas and instantaneous water heaters using hard water had a noticeable decrease in efficiency over the testing period resulting in higher natural gas usage

3. Because of the need to have the instantaneous water heater delimed and cleaned periodically to remove the scale, the economic savings can lead to recovery of the cost of softened water in as little as one year

4. The natural gas savings from using softened water will lead to DIRECT energy and economic savings of up to 57% over a 15 year tankless water heater life and 24% over the 15 year life of a gas water heater

5. The increase in total energy consumptions (as a result of a reduction in heat transfer efficiency) is related to water hardness and higher water hardness will lead to greater energy consumption

6. There are environmental benefits to the use of softened water as the lower use of natural gas leads to reductions in the carbon footprint related to the decrease in total energy consumption

 Estimated Savings for Gas-fired Water Heaters Using Softened Water Over 15 Years Life

In 2011, Scientific Services Laboratories near Middleton, New York, completed a study of the effects of hard water on:

1. The effect of hard water on clothes washer detergent dose and water temperature on stain removal performance and

2. The interaction of detergent dose and water hardness on the performance of automatic dishwashers.

The results are summarized below:

a. Stain removal performance increases dramatically when hardness is removed even when dose and temperature are lowered.

b. Softening water will allow use of less detergent and save energy by lowering water temperatures while still maintaining or improving performance.

c. When water of any hardness is softened prior to its use in washing, detergent use can be reduced by 50% and the washing can be carried out in 60ºF cold water instead of 100ºF hot water and achieve the same or better stain removal yielding whiter clothes.

d. This was true for all stains and all detergents tested.

e. This was verified for top loaded and high efficiency front loaded washers.

f. Softening water is SIGNIFICANTLY more effective on stain removal than either increasing the water temperature or detergent dose.

This graph shows the relationship between softened water, detergent dose, and wash water temperature.

2. The interaction of detergent dose and water hardness on the performance of automatic dishwashers and found:

a. Air drying as a way to save electrical energy was evaluated and is promising to provide better results when softened water is used rather than hard water

b. With tablet detergents tested, the beneficial effect of softening the wash water is much greater than the use of two tablets rather than one

c. Statistically significant improvements by softening water were observed in spotting and filming performance as well as in better soil removal in automatic dishwashing.

Water Filtration and Water Softener Systems For Your Home

No one piece of treatment equipment removes all contaminants. All treatment methods have limitations and often water quality situations require a combination of treatment processes. Water softening does not remove bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, silt or sand, lead, nitrate, pesticides, and many other organic and inorganic compounds. Discuss your needs and appropriate treatments with a professional water quality expert.

The first step in deciding whether you should have a water softener is to find out if your water is hard. An inexpensive Water Test will determine your homes contaminants.

One thing to remember is that no two waters are contaminated the same and no two homeowner’s needs are the same.  With these two factors you can customize a water treatment system to fit you and your homes needs!

Contact a MN Plumber that specializes in water filter and water softener systems to conduct a test and classify its hardness.  The test is inexpensive and will not only provide you with peace of mind concerning your family’s drinking water, but it could very well offer you a higher quality of life in regard to your water use.

Water softening – it’s good for you, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for your pocketbook!  And your plumbing will thank you!

If you live in the suburbs of Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and Edina you draw your water primarily from the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer and might be astounded at how “hard” your water is and how much you might benefit from simple forms of water treatment.

Battelle_Final_Report-STUDY ON BENEFITS OF REMOVAL OF WATER HARDNESS (CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IONS) FROM A WATER SUPPLY

Water – it’s part of your daily life – whether you’re drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. You want to have confidence in the safety of your water supply with water softeners and water treatment systems.

Even though you may not be able to control widespread pollutants and bacteria that affect water supplies, you can take steps to ensure that the water flowing from your faucets is as pure and safe as possible.

Do You Have Hard Water?

• Are there stains or buildup on your kitchen and bath fixtures?
• Do you have to use large amounts of soap to clean dishes or wash clothes?
• Do you live in an area with hard water?

“Yes?” Then you probably have hard water.

If your water supply is provided by the city, you probably realize that strict regulations and standards are in place to assure you that your water supply is safe. However, those standards may result in water hardness levels which affect the taste of your water as well as the effectiveness of your soap and cleaning products.

Enjoy The Softer Side Of Life With A Water Softener System

With soft, gentle water from a water softener system you’ll find you use less soap and have fewer hard water stains. And your plumbing will thank you, because soft water means less sediment build-up on your pipes.

If you purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking, you may want to consider a reverse osmosis drinking water treatment system as well. Reverse osmosis may sound technical, but in fact it’s a natural process.  A reverse osmosis system is based on the same process used by trees and plants to obtain water from the soil.

With concerns about the safety of bottled water, as well as the threat of unintended contaminants and bacteria in drinking water, not to mention the expense and the plastic packaging cluttering landfills, perhaps you might want to consider installing a drinking water treatment system. You won’t have to worry about running out of those plastic jugs and bottles — you’ll be able to turn on your faucet and be assured that you have pure, safe, and good-tasting water at your fingertips.

Water Softener Maintenance and Repair

Whether you have municipal water or a private well, we realize that you may have concerns about the purity and safety of your water, whether it’s part of your morning cup of coffee or your end-of-the-day shower. We encourage you to alleviate those concerns by calling a Minnesota Plumber.  Based on the hardness of the water in your area and the rate of water usage in your home, they will recommend a water softener and/or drinking water system designed for your needs and your specific water conditions.

Different Types of Water Treatments

• The right water softener will leave your clothes cleaner after washing and will provide you with a bath or shower that you never dreamed could be so refreshing and stimulating.
• A water purification system will turn your tap water into a desirable drink and save you thousands of dollars and untold inconvenience in buying and hauling bottled water home.
• An iron or water filtration system will pay for itself in no time by removing minerals and sediment that shorten the life and efficiency of your water heater and eventually clog and corrode pipes, joints and valves leaving you with horrible problems and costly repairs.

Water Purification Systems MN

If your water is not as pure as bottled water, a water treatment and filtration expert could suggestion a simple and inexpensive water purification system that would bring it to that level of purity, thus relieving you of the bottled water expense and inconvenience.

If you live in the suburbs of Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and Edina you draw your water primarily from the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer and might be astounded at how “hard” your water is and how much you might benefit from simple forms of water treatment and purification!

An inexpensive Water Test is the first step in determining a system that fits you and your homes needs!  If your tests come back showing that you don’t have safe drinking water, there are ways to treat your water to make it safe. The appropriate solution depends on the nature of your contaminants, since there are a variety of water purification systems, each of which addresses different water quality problems.

Continued from Part 1 of Gas Line Installation & Repair

A gas leak is a BAD BAD thing – you do NOT want these. You should check any gas line/appliance for gas leaks. While rare, natural gas line leaks can be extremely dangerous. The most telling sign of a natural gas line leak is the familiar rotten egg odor the natural gas coming into the home has. This odor is added to the natural gas so it can be detected in the event of a leak.

If you are not familiar with it, simply turn on your BBQ grill for a few seconds and take a whiff. If you ever smell this under normal operation, turn OFF the gas connection as soon as possible and remove any source of flame/sparks. If in doubt, just LEAVE and call 911.

The biggest hazard of a gas leak is an explosion. When natural gas builds up in an enclosed area, it becomes extremely volatile.  A gas build up has the potential to be explosive, or could make those in the area very sick. Gas leaks in the home can be easily prevented by ensuring flexible gas lines are inspected regularly and installed properly by licensed professionals.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns natural gas users that older brass, uncoated appliance connectors can come apart, causing fires and explosions resulting in deaths and injuries.

CPSC has also prepared a Safety Alert (pdf) on flexible gas connectors.

Defective connectors are most often found on natural gas ranges, ovens and clothes dryers (sometimes on water heaters and furnaces) that are 20 years old or older.

Gas Line Leaks

Gas leaks outside the home are dangerous as well. Most gas lines coming into the home are buried underground. Before doing any job that requires digging outside, homeowners should call the utility company at least 48 hours before digging. The utilities will be contacted and asked to mark the lines they own.  After the lines have been marked, safe, careful digging can begin.

• If you detect a strong gas odor, follow these tips:
• Do not attempt to locate the leak.
• Do not turn on or off any electrical appliances.
• Do not smoke or use any open flames.
• Leave the house and, from a safe distance, call the utility company and 911.
• When digging outside, if a natural gas line is damaged, call the utility immediately. Do not attempt to repair the line.

By following these safety tips, natural gas can continue to be a safe and efficient source of energy for the home.

Signs of a Gas Leak

• See — A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no reason.
• Smell — A distinctive, strong odor similar to rotten eggs.
• Hear — A roaring, hissing, or whistling sound.

Turn off your gas ONLY if you hear natural gas leaking inside or outside. Once the gas is off, leave it off. Follow these steps to turn off your gas valve located on the house line connected to your meter.

DO NOT rely on your sense of smell alone to detect the presence of natural gas

Some people may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell, olfactory fatigue (normal, temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure to it) or because the odor is being masked or hidden by other odors that are present, such as cooking, damp, musty or chemical odors. In addition, certain conditions in pipe and soil can cause odor fade – the loss of odorant so that it is not detectable by smell.

Gas Shutoff

Learn how to manually turn off your home’s main natural gas line

If you need to have your gas service turned off, your utility company will provide the service for you. However, should a situation arise where you need to turn off your gas supply immediately, please follow this simple procedure:

• Locate the shutoff valve on the riser pipe from the ground to your meter (Figure A) or on newer meters the service line going from your meter into the house (Figure B).
• Use an adjustable pipe or crescent-type wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the valve head is parallel to the pipe, it is in the OPEN position.
• Turn the valve head crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe and it will be in the OFF position.
• There are also natural gas shutoff valves on the lines fueling individual pieces of equipment.

Fixing Leaks in Gas Pipes

Once the gas is off, leave it off. When you are ready for the gas to be restarted, qualified service technician will check your system, turn on your service and relight your appliances for you.

If your gas company tells you to fix a gas pipe leak, you will need a licensed professional MN plumber. ONLY a licensed plumber is permitted to work on gas lines/gas leaks.  The plumber will fix your gas pipe so that your home is safe and sound and it’s safe for the gas company to turn your gas back on.

Natural gas is used by more than 50 percent of American households as their main heating source. Natural gas is clean, efficient, and relatively safe. However, because there are potential dangers associated with natural gas usage, the Public Utilities Commission of Minnesota recommends that consumers remember these safety tips.

To help keep your gas appliances operating safely and efficiently a licensed plumber should check your gas appliances every year. Not performing annual maintenance may result in inefficient appliance operation and in some cases dangerous exposure to carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

The chemical properties of natural gas make it a clean fuel source.  However, those same properties make it potentially dangerous for consumers if their natural gas appliances are not properly maintained. One of the dangers of poorly maintained or improperly used appliances is carbon monoxide poisoning. If a faulty furnace does not burn natural gas properly, or is not vented properly, carbon monoxide can begin to build in the home.

When a person breathes carbon monoxide, their brain and organs are robbed of the oxygen necessary to function properly, and they can become sick and incapacitated very quickly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu without a fever. Those experiencing these symptoms should get out of the house and call 911, the fire department, or emergency medical services immediately.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, here are a few tips:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector. These devices work similarly to a smoke detector, only they measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air.
• Have appliances that use natural gas inspected by a qualified repair person once a year.
• Inspect the vents, flues, and chimneys of all gas water heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces to ensure proper ventilation of exhaust.
• Never use an oven to heat the house. This can damage the oven and cause carbon monoxide to be released into the home.
• Never sleep in a room heated by a gas or kerosene space heater that does not have proper venting.

Gas Line Leaks

In its natural state, natural gas is odorless and colorless. So that it can be detected easily, an odorant called mercaptan into the gas before it goes into the company’s distribution system. The odorant is so highly concentrated that even the smallest amounts of natural gas can be detected. If you’ve never smelled it, mercaptan gives off a foul smell, reminiscent of rotten eggs.

Line leaks are rare but can be extremely dangerous. A buildup of natural gas in an enclosed area can make people very sick or cause an explosion.   Gas leaks in the home can be easily prevented by ensuring flexible gas lines are installed properly and inspected regularly by licensed professionals.

Flexible Gas Connectors

Older flexible gas connectors that connect home appliances to gas supply pipes may still be in use. These gas connectors are corrugated tubes made of uncoated brass. They may crack or break, resulting in a gas leak, fire, or explosion.  Homes built and appliances installed within the past 20 years should not be at risk.  But, uncoated brass flexible gas connectors may still be in people’s homes. As these connectors age, they become more dangerous. All uncoated flexible brass connectors should be replaced.  Only a professional should inspect the connectors, which are most often used with gas ranges, ovens, and clothes dryers. Even slightly moving an older appliance to clean or check it for the presence of an uncoated brass connector can cause the connector to fail.  This can allow gas to leak, which can lead to an explosion and fire.

CERTAIN OLDER GAS CONNECTORS MAY BE DANGEROUS

DANGER – CERTAIN OLDER GAS CONNECTORS MAY BE DANGEROUS

See here images of both Gas Flexible Connectors that are safe, and Gas Flexible Connectors that could pose a danger.

ONLY a licensed plumber is permitted to work on gas lines/gas leaks.  If you think you have a gas leak call the utility company to shut off the gas and then call a licensed Minnesota Plumber immediately to have the lines tested.

While major appliances make our lives much easier, they also pose significant risks if not maintained properly. Appliance safety is a matter of both keeping your appliances in good working order and using them as they were intended, as well. The average homeowner has several thousand dollars invested in major appliances; to protect your investment and ensure many years of reliable service out of each, it’s important to properly maintain your appliances.

Appliance Safety Tips

Natural gas range

Never use natural gas ranges for heating. Using a range as a source of heat can cause dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) to build up in your home or building.

If you notice a pilot flame suddenly burning much higher than normal, it might be a surge in gas pressure.

Is your flame blue?

On a natural gas appliance, the color of the flame is a good indicator of incomplete combustion. The flame should always burn blue, not orange or yellow. If the flame is not blue, it may be a sign that the appliance needs adjusting or cleaning. Appliances should always be checked and adjusted by a qualified service technician.

Natural gas fireplace logs are an exception to the blue flame rule. Most of these products are designed to be operated with a yellow or orange flame in order to achieve a more realistic appearance. Any time they are used, the damper in the fireplace should be open.

Water heater

Set your water heater temperature to 120°F (low or warm) to help prevent accidental burns. Water heaters set at 140°F or higher pose a potential danger, especially to children and the elderly. It takes just five seconds to receive a third-degree burn from 140°F water. See the instruction manual before setting the temperature on the water heater. You should always feel the water before bathing or showering. Temperature limiting valves are available. Check your owner’s manual for information.

Natural gas grill

Never use your natural gas grill inside a garage, in an enclosed porch or directly under low eaves or overhangs. Also, keep your grill at a safe distance from wood siding, deck railings and other surfaces that could ignite.

Natural gas dryer

Check your clothes dryer’s exhaust duct, vent and hood cover (outside the house) periodically, removing any lint or obstruction.

Heating system

Have a qualified technician check your heating system annually. Technicians check for proper combustion, carbon monoxide levels and flue gas temperature, burners and the heat exchanger to ensure proper operation.

Flexible Natural Gas Connectors

Natural gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes that connect a home’s or business’s natural gas appliances to a fuel source. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns natural gas users that older brass, uncoated appliance connectors can come apart, causing fires and explosions resulting in deaths and injuries.

Defective connectors are most often found on natural gas ranges, ovens and clothes dryers (sometimes on water heaters and furnaces) that are 20 years old or older. If you suspect you may have an uncoated, brass connector, follow these simple steps:

1. NEVER move the appliance or disturb the connector. This could cause the connector to break, which could cause a fire or explosion.
2. Schedule a qualified Minnesota plumber or heating contractor to inspect the connector. NEVER try to do this yourself.
3. If necessary, ask the qualified MN plumber to replace the old connector with a new model certified by the American Gas Association. Newer connectors are made of stainless steel or plastic-coated metal.
4. Replace all uncoated brass connector immediately.

Certain Older Gas Connectors May Be Dangerous

Below are images of both Gas Flexible Connectors that are safe, and Gas Flexible Connectors that could pose a danger.

Keep Flammables Away From Appliances

Never use or store flammable products such as gasoline, solvents or adhesives near a water heater or any other natural gas or electric appliance because vapors from flammable liquids can ignite.

Manufacturers have adopted a standard to produce 30- to 50-gallon water heaters with technology that helps prevent flammable liquids from igniting. Since older water heaters are not equipped with this resistant technology, they are more susceptible to flammable vapors. In the right conditions, flammable vapors can travel undetected along the floor aided by air vents. To minimize the risk of accidents, elevate the water heater at least eighteen inches above the floor.  Keep all flammable products in tightly closed, approved containers, stored far away from all appliances and out of the reach of children. To find out more, visit the American Gas Association.

A Red Tag Means Danger

If an appliance repair service determines that your gas furnace or other gas appliances are not operating safely, they will be turned off and marked with a red tag. The tag serves as a warning that an appliance is unsafe and could cause injury, property damage or even death.  For your safety, please don’t use the appliance until you have it repaired by a qualified contractor.

ONLY a licensed plumber is permitted to work on gas lines/gas leaks. We have all heard stories of houses exploding and or catching on fire.  If you think you have a gas leak call the utility company to shut off the gas and then call a licensed Minnesota Plumber immediately to have the lines tested.

The back yard is, was, and I hope always will be a part of Americana.  It’s where our dog Poochie, ran rambunctiously through the water spurting from our garden hose. It’s where, through the decades, we’ve sat together as a family on blankets, while eating barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers. Or where you can watch the kids play, entertain friends, or just sit and relax.

Adding a gas BBQ or gas fire pit to your backyard can increase the fun of a Minnesota summer!  There is nothing in the world like entertaining your family and friends well into the evening with tasty food and wonderful conversation and laughter around a good fire!  It’s what our Minnesota summers are all about!

Everyone who likes to cook will love being spoiled by a natural gas grill. Natural gas grills are the key to gourmet grilling. Natural gas provides complete control of the flame, from low heat for slow smoking and grilling.

Convenience

Natural gas grills are convenient, safe, fast and easy to use. Forget the worry of running out of propane in the middle of a barbecue and the hassle of refilling the tank.  Natural gas grills tap directly into your home’s natural gas supply.

Easy, Flexible Installation

Installation is a snap. Grills can be mounted on a permanent post, built into a brick base or put on a cart with a quick-disconnect so the grill can be easily moved. At one time, rigid, threaded black iron pipe was the industry standard for natural gas lines. But in recent years the development of quick disconnect valves and fittings and flexible natural gas supply hoses has made it easy to change the location of your outdoor appliances.

Did you know that Americans prepare about 3 BILLION meals on grills each year?  From 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Five out of six home grill fires involve a gas grill and the leading contributing factor was a leak or break in hoses or other equipment.

About 20 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Hoses should be checked for any holes, or cracks.  Gas hoses should be kept clear of any hot surfaces or hot grease. A grill should never be used indoors.   A grill should be used at least 10 feet away from any building, or overhanging branches. The top lid should be opened before the gas is turned on, otherwise gases can accumulate and cause a violent explosion.

Or, how about your swimming pool?  All year long you dream about the fun and good times you built it for.  But did you know that the simple installation of a gas water heater can provide you with full two more months of pool use?  Suddenly that pool has far more value than you ever imagined.

More and more homeowners are choosing to heat their pools with natural gas pool heaters. You can extend the swimming season and make the time spent in your pool more enjoyable. You’ll be able to use your pool earlier in the year, keep it open later in the fall, and have more days of fun all through the summer.

To ensure the carefree nature of joys like these by making certain that your equipment and gas lines are installed according to the building and safety codes of your community.  Natural gas and propane pipes are normally only installed by a professional MN plumber.  This is because a leak can easily go undetected, and can often be fatal.

Gas line repair isn’t like a leaky faucet that you can put off until you get around to it. It is something that needs to be resolved rather quickly.

While natural gas does not, on its own, have a scent.  This rotten egg smell is actually added to the gas when it’s processed for home use so that homeowners have a way to detect a gas leak before it gets out of control.

You should never attempt to repair a gas line yourself, and in emergencies you should always call 911 if you suspect a gas leak.  As a safety precaution, a sulfur-like odor is added to natural gas to help people identify gas leaks. If you smell this odor in an emergency situation, leave the building then call 911 immediately.

Gas Leaks Are No Laughing Matter

Gas line repair in the case of emergencies always requires a professional plumber and a plumbing permit. Gas leaks are no laughing matter, and a slow leak can be a very dangerous presence in your home or business. If you suspect a gas leak, don’t wait.

Use your senses of sight, hearing and smell, along with any of the following signs, to alert yourself to the presence of a gas leak:

 Look

• A damaged connection to a gas appliance
• Dirt or water being blown in the air
• Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near pipeline areas
• A fire or explosion near a pipeline
• Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster

 Listen

• An unusual sound, such as a hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a gas line or appliance

 Smell

• The distinctive odor of natural gas

Some people may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell, olfactory fatigue (normal, temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure to it) or because the odor is being masked or hidden by other odors that are present, such as cooking, damp, musty or chemical odors. In addition, certain conditions in pipe and soil can cause odor fade – the loss of odorant so that it is not detectable by smell.

Many plumbing repairs around the house can be done by the homeowner but gas leaks CAN NOT!  ONLY a licensed plumber is permitted to work on gas lines/gas leaks. We have all heard stories of houses exploding and or catching on fire.  If you think you have a gas leak call the utility company to shut off the gas and then call a licensed Minnesota Plumber immediately to have the lines tested.

Gas Line Installation

We also offer gas line installation for almost any gas appliance. This includes gas line installation for gas stoves, cook tops, barbecues, hot tub & pool heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, clothes dryers, boilers, and remodeling projects.

Remember, our qualified technicians also fully understand gas line installation for commercial grade appliances, so don’t hesitate to call for estimates for your business as well!

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. Gain the perspective and sound information you need to make better decisions with an inspection performed by an experienced professional that can help you identify what plumbing repairs will be required before you buy or sell a home. They will be able to clearly describe the problems and make the appropriate recommendation for repairs.

A home inspection is an evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy to make sure you have a clear picture as to its condition. They will not tell you whether to buy or not buy the home.  They are there to make sure you understand the condition of the home.

Point of Sale Inspections

Enforcement of  Point of Sale ordinance requires a disclosure report prepared by independent certified evaluators (hired by the seller).  Under this code, licensed evaluators would walk through homes prior to their being placed on the market and shown for sale. This applies to all single family homes, twin homes, townhouses, and condominium (except new construction).  Reports would indicate items which are acceptable, below standards, and require repairs. Required repairs include imminent structural failures, unsafe electrical and plumbing systems, hazardous or unsanitary conditions, and lack of basic items (sinks in kitchens, toilet facilities, etc.).

The Point of Sale inspection must be performed by a certified evaluator.

Repair/Replace Requirements for Point of Sale -Quick List

General Conditions

• Potential for imminent structural failure
• Severe deterioration of walls/floors
• No water. No hot water. No electricity
• Staircase or stoop cannot support load
• Sump pump without proper discharge piping
• Missing/improperly installed smoke detectors
• Floor coverings with serious trip hazards
• Broken glass and exposed edges with cut hazard
• Chimney structurally unsafe – visible deterioration of flue liner

Gas Connection Problems

• Kinked, deteriorated or improperly connected gas pipes
• Unapproved gas connector
• Broken/seized/inoperable gas valves
• Improperly capped/plugged gas valves

Water heater and/or boiler problems

• scorched, missing/broken valves
• leaking
• installed on combustible surface and guidelines prohibit
• no temperature/pressure relief valve
• missing, inoperative, improperly located discharge pipe
• flue improperly installed, evidence of back spillage
• no combustion air

Plumbing issues

• unsanitary plumbing fixtures. missing vent stacks.
• improperly abandoned plumbing lines
• improperly operating or no sink in kitchen
• improperly operating or no sink in or near toilet room
• no toilet facility
• no water connections to shower or tub
• improper repairs allowing sewer gas in leaks
• broken, cracked, leaking fixtures
• improperly capped, abandoned drain lines
• water must flow at least a pencil width in lowest tap
• no anti-syphon ball cock in toilet
• visible leakage in waste lines

Electrical issues

• over-fused, tampering to or alteration of wiring
• improper grounding of electrical outlets
• extension cords used as wiring (under floors/through wall)
• broken electrical receptacles. Missing cover plates
• No GFCI in remodeled bath areas
• exterior mast broken or improperly secured
• electric wires over outside pool or hot tub

Heating system problems

• signs of leakage, cracks in combustion chamber, uneven discoloration of heat exchanger
• cracked or damaged casing
• improper clearance to combustibles
• missing or clearly defective shut off
• heating system flue not properly installed/sealed, holes caused by rust/corrosion
• free standing space heater that takes own combustion air from room (gas)

Clutter – egress obstruction Sanitation – excessive garbage -  Vermin – infestations

Repair Replace Items

Call A Minnesota Plumber

A Minnesota Plumbing Contractor offering plumbing services to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maple Grove,  Minnetonka, Edina, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding Twin Cities can help evaluate the homes plumbing system and make the necessary recommendations or repairs.

All in all, it should make it easier and quicker to proceed to closing without a lot of complications. It’s a win-win situation for everyone concerned!

The full legal description of required repairs is Title 12, Chapter 248.80 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances. The Code of Ordinances is available at the public library or online at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cityhall/laws/ordinances/.