Learn More About Gene's Water & Sewer

Gene's Water & Sewer has been serving the Twin Cities region since 1977, helping homeowners and commercial clients install or replace water lines, as well as sewer lines. There's more we could tell you, but we'll let this DexKnows video do the talking.

What if I Have Poor Water Flow, or No Water Flow At All?

It's a scenario no one wants to experience. You turn on the tap to get yourself a glass of water, or you try to fill up a pot of water to cook dinner... and no water comes out. Sometimes, you might be lucky enough to have a slow trickle of water, but nothing near the water pressure you normally enjoy.

What could cause such a disruption in your water flow? Usually, a build up of deposits in your piping system is to blame.

When such a situation occurs, something has to be done. The water piping will likely need to be replaced so that normal water flow is returned to your home. When replacing water pipes, one of two methods can be used: trench, which involves digging an open trench; or tunnel, in which a pneumatic tool is used to pull a pipe into place.

If you're experiencing water flow problems, give us a call! 612-781-3737

Learn More About Nu Flow

Want to see a demonstration of Nu Flow's potable pipe lining? Now you can.

This video goes through the process of Nu Flow's technology and the way the epoxy coating helps to fix failing pipes.

How to Reduce Your Sewer & Water Bill

All over the country, municipalities have or are considering increasing their water and sewer rates. In Allentown, Pa., the mayor has proposed a 5-percent increase, while customers in the North Escambia, Fla. area have been hit with an additional 7 percent in costs and the Sheridan, Ore. city council raised rates 2.5 and 1.5 percent, respectively for water and sewer rates.

Why the increase? According to the News of Yamhill County, Sheridan raised rates because of “rising costs for energy, operations and maintenance of the town’s water system.” And this problem is having an impact on more and more localities, and as such, many will opt for raising rates.

Luckily, there are things homeowners can do to decrease their water and sewer costs. Many overlook these two utilities when trying to figure out how to save on their bills. Some methods have an immediate effect, while others save in the long term. So, how can you decrease your water and sewer rates? We at Gene’s Water & Sewer, a Minneapolis sewer and water line repair company, offer the following tips:

• Check all faucets to make sure they do not leak or drip. Faucets can waste more than 3,100 gallons of water per year. These fixes can be done in an expensive manner.
• See if the toilet is leaking. This process is very easy; all one has to do is put into the tank some food coloring, and flush after 15 to 20 minutes. If you see any coloring in the bowl, you’ll know you have a leak.
• A leaky showerhead can increase your bill. Switch to a low-flow showerhead of your choice.
• The best and most effective choice is to just lower how much water you use. Take shorter showers and turn down your water heater.

Follow these tips and monitor your bill. If you see costs increasing, then give us a buzz at 612.781.3737 and we’ll see if the problem is more involved.

The Advantages of Trenchless Sewer Line Repair

When you hear the term “sewer line repair,” you might think, “Oh no! My yard is going to be dug up!” Luckily, modern technology has provided us with a sewer repair option that doesn’t require your yard to be dug up. Trenchless sewer line repair has become popular in recent years for one big reason: it causes only a small, minimal disruption to your life and yard.

If you’re not sold on trenchless repairs, consider the following advantages:

Cost

Because nothing is being dug up and not restoration is involved, you often save more and don’t break the bank with trenchless repairs.

Time

Traditional repair methods can take a few days to complete. Trenchless sewer line repairs are often much quicker, and jobs can sometimes be completed in a day or two.

An intact yard

Your yard won’t become an excavated hole with trenchless repairs. With traditional work, you’d have to worry about your driveway, patio and/or walkway being destroyed. With trenchless repairs, these stay intact, as the only digging that occurs is the two access points needed to reach the pipe.

No extra work

There will be no upturned soil, no uprooted tress and no damaged plants. When the job is done, it will be like the sewer and water repair company was never there.

Edina trenchless sewer line repair company Gene’s Water & Sewer excels at trenchless sewer repairs. Contact them today by visiting www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com. 

Water Line Repair or Water Line Replacement?

Every year, thousands of property owners are faced with repairing their water line or opting to have the entire system replaced. But, how do you decide which path to go? There are a few ways you can decide.

First, there’s the material your current main is made from: copper, brass or iron piping. For lines up to 2”, copper is used, while larger mains usually utilize iron. Brass is available on special request, or for 2 ½” lines. If it’s made from lead, you’ll most likely have to replace it as many municipalities do not allow repairs on lead or galvanized water lines.

Then, you have to consider the age of the line. The average useful life is around 50 years, and if older, the current main will probably need to be swapped out. Another thing one must think about is that metal becomes brittle as it ages, and connecting to an existing service usually comes with some sort of risk. Unless the water line is only a few years old, replacement is the common recommendation.

The final thing to think about is the costs involved in either direction. Materials comprise only around 20% of the job, with the rest of the cost being eaten by permits, restoration, labor, tools, equipment and more. Because of this, there is not usually a big difference in the costs between the two. Is the repair going to cost 50% or more of the cost of replacement? If so, it’s usually best to just get the replacement.

Need water line replacement in Minneapolis? Contact Gene’s Water & Sewer today by visiting www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com.

Sewer Line Repair

If you’re looking to have sewer line repairs performed, you usually have the following options:

• You can have the sewer line relined
• You can replace the entire pipe

However, these are always easy or cheap. To figure out the best option, contact Minnesota sewer repair contractor Gene’s Water & Sewer at www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com. 

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions we get about trenchless sewer repair:

What is trenchless sewer repair?

It’s also known as “no dig sewer repair,” and allows sewer repairs to be made without trenches or holes being dug.

How does it work?

There are three main steps: sewer cameras evaluate the lines to determine how to resolve the problem; specialized equipment then cleans the lines; and finally, an epoxy liner is installed within the existing pipe.

What are the benefits?

A smooth and seamless pipe is created within the pipe, and is better because roots and calcification can’t affect the pipe.

Minnesota sewer repair company Gene’s Water & Sewer can help you with all your sewer needs. Contact us today by visiting www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com. 

More Septic Systems FAQs

Here are some more of the septic systems questions Gene’s Water and Sewer gets:

How does a septic system work?

The system contains a holding tank where natural bacterial action disintegrates human waste into environmentally acceptable components.

Do I have to use a certain kind of toilet paper?

No. Most toilet papers break down quickly and easily. Tissues, however, don’t easily break down and shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet.

How do I know if my system needs repaired?

Your septic system will give off clues, like muddy soil or pools of wastewater around the tanks; or sewage smells around the tank or inside the house. Contact a septic system contractor right away.

Do I really need to take care of my system?

You should if you don’t want smells or to spend a lot of money. Pumping your system costs on average $150 to $200. A new system can cost up to $40,000.

How do I find out my tank’s capacity?

Check with your local Environmental Health Office to see if they have your system’s inspection report from when your system was installed, and this should state your tank’s capacity.

For many years, we’ve been the Minneapolis septic system contractor of choice. Find out more about services www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com.  

Septic Systems FAQ

Septic system owners ask the Gene’s Water and Sewer staff a lot of questions. Here are the most common:

How do I know if I own a good septic system?

There are a few telltale signs of bad septic systems. Here are the most frequent:

• Incorrect Riser and Filter Positioning: Older septic tanks were built without allowing access to risers, as the tanks were buried completely under the lawn. Newer systems were built to allow access risers with an access filter. Cheaper systems are built without the filter.
• Missing Control Panel: True subpanels should be located within 50 feet of the system and allows access to killing the power should it be necessary. Unfortunately, electric inspectors often skip over septic systems, and some installers know this and install cheaper alarm boxes.
• Missing Controls: A time counter will tell homeowners how long the system has been running, and some won’t install this, seeing it as a luxury item. The information it provides, however, is critical to diagnosing a failed or flooded system.
• Missing Inspection Ports in the Drainfield: These reach down to the bottom of the drainfield, and tell owners how much liquid is sitting at the bottom.

Why do septic systems fail?

If the liquid effluent cannot soak into the soil, then you might find sewage backing up and overflowing. Causes include poor soil conditions, soil clogging, high water table, roots and physical damage.

How long should a septic system last?

Conventional systems should last about 30 years, and some last much longer depending on service.

How big should my septic tank and drainfield be?

Tanks are sized according to the amount of liquid waste processed. Different states have different minimums, so check with your local sewage officer.

What is graywater?

It’s usually water from a laundry system or sump pump. Disposal requirements for graywater are much less stringent than those required for human waste.

We’ve been the Minneapolis septic system contractor of choice for many years. Learn what we can do for you by visiting www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com. 

Septic Systems: Problems Explained

You’ve just woken up, cleared your sleepy eyes and are heading to the shower when you see waste from your septic system has overflowed. It’s not a problem you need, but you’ll need to address it as quickly as possible before what could be a minor problem turns into a major one.

Clogs

Clogs are the most common problem septic systems have. You might assume the worst about your septic tank, but don’t worry until you have cause to. First, try running a plumber’s snake down what you think is the clogged line. If only one fixture, like a sink or toilet, is backed up and everything is in working order, then it’s only that fixture line and not your main one.

If you’ve try unclogging every line and are still backed up, you’ll want to call a septic system repair company and have them dig up the tanks to expose the lids. You should never do this yourself as septic systems contain hazardous gases and materials. The contractor should see if the liquid levels are at or above the inlet level. If the former, it’s probably just an upstream obstruction. If it’s above, the clog is either at the tank’s outlet or the leaching system has failed.

Failed leaching

This may be only temporary. If your home recently hosted more persons than usual, then the leaching system might be overwhelmed. You still might be close to a total leaching system failure. This is a normal event, even with the best maintenance and care. If this is the case, you’ll need to expand the leaching.

Don’t know what’s wrong with your Minneapolis septic system? Contact Gene’s Water & Sewer now at www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com. 

Septic Systems: 5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Septic Tank

Many residents of rural areas don’t have connected water and sewer systems, but wells and septic systems. These systems aren't difficult to take care of, thanks to upgrades present in modern technologies. By following a few easy steps, you can ensure your septic system operates properly for years to come.

Watch rainwater

A soggy and wet septic drainfield won’t properly handle liquid waste, leaving it unabsorbed and not neutralized. You’ll need to plan things like landscaping, gutters and drains to divert away water from the drainfield.

Don’t overload

One of the biggest reasons for septic system repairs is an overloaded system. Make sure your system and drainfield aren’t overloaded by checking regularly for leaks from toilets and faucets, and making necessary repairs. Aerators and flow-reduction nozzles on faucets and showers will help lower water consumption, as will reduce water levels for small laundry loads.

Keep trees away

Another reason to call for repairs is root damage from trees. Keeping trees at least 100 feet away from your septic system will discourage these costly damages. Willow and other similar trees have very aggressive roots, so they should be kept even farther from the system and drainfield.

Be careful of what you dispose

Your toilet is not a garbage disposal. You shouldn’t flush (even if you are connected to a municipal sewer system) cat litter, diapers, sanitary items, coffee grounds, cigarette butts and other items, as they can quickly clog your tank. Do not overuse heavy cleaners, as they will kill beneficial bacterium that break down solids. Grease can also clog the drainfield, and make it impossible for the soil to absorb liquids. When that happens, you’ll need a new drainfield. Hazardous chemicals like varnish, gasoline and oils can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater sources.

Maintain regularly

If you want your system to work properly, the solids will eventually have to be pumped. The rule of thumb for a family of four with a 1,000-gallon tank is to have it pumped every three to five years. And while you might think it easy to take care of it yourself, never open a septic tank as it contains harmful materials and gases. Always have a professional handle the job.

Having issues with your Minnesota septic system? Contact Gene’s Water and Sewer today by visiting www.GenesWaterandSewer.com.

Sewer Questions - Ask The Expert at Gene’s Water & Sewer

Have questions about water and sewer repairs? Unsure what’s causing your water and sewer issues? If you have questions, you need to Ask the Expert at Gene’s Water & Sewer.

We were asked, “What could be causing waste water flow to be slowed or stopped ("sewage back-up")?”

The answer is that this issue is caused most often by a clogged, broken or displaced sewer pipe between the building and the main. To repair, Gene's Water & Sewer will most often suggest an attempt at cleaning followed by a video camera inspection which will identify the cause and help select the best repair option. Once we have the results of our inspection, we will do a cost/benefit analysis and review the results with you before beginning work. The cost of the video inspection will be applied to the repair if we do the work.

We are well experienced in all things water and sewer, and want to work for you. Call us today at 612.781.3737 or visit www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com now.  

Gene's Water & Sewer Shows the Benefits of Nu Flow

Are you in need of water and sewer repairs? If so, you’ll want to save your Minneapolis home the trouble of having its lawn, driveway or sidewalk disturbed by a trench being dug. Gene’s Water & Sewer, serving the Twin Cities MN communities, is able to get the work done without destroying your landscape.

We specialize in trenchless pipe repairs, using Nu Flow technologies that allow us to do all the work underground. All that needs done to fix a broken pipe or water line is to install a liner that will use the old pipe as a conduit to form a new one. This means adequate savings to you in cost, time and stress!

Visit www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com today and click the “Nu Flow” tab to watch how these processes. While you’re there, be sure to request a free water and sewer estimate.

Ask The Expert at Gene’s Water & Sewer

Have questions about water pipe repairs or sewer repairs? Unsure what’s clogging your residential water and sewer system? If you have questions, you need to Ask the Expert at Gene’s Water & Sewer.

A client asked us, “What could be causing waste water flow to be slowed or stopped (‘sewage back-up’)?”

The answer is sewage back-up is most often caused by a clogged, broken or displaced sewer pipe between the building and the main. To repair this, Gene's Water & Sewer will most often suggest an attempt at cleaning followed by a video camera inspection which will identify the cause and help select the best repair option. Once we have the results of our inspection, we will do a cost/benefit analysis and review the results with you before beginning work. The cost of the video inspection will be applied to the repair if we do the work.

We care about what we do. We are experts in all things water and sewer, and want to work for you. Call us today at 612.781.3737 or visit www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com now.  

Get a Free Estimate from Gene’s Water & Sewer

Have a need for water pipe repairs or sewer repairs in the Twin Cities MN areas? Are you looking for specialists in residential water and sewer? Then it’s time you call Gene’s Water & Sewer!

Before you hire a water and sewer contractor, you want to make sure you’re getting the best price. That’s why you need to take advantage of our Free Estimate. Before you hire someone to work on your commercial water and sewer system, visit www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com and request a free water and sewer system estimate.

We care about what we do. We are experts in all things water and sewer, and want to work for you. Call us today at 612.781.3737 or visit www.GenesWaterAndSewer.com now.  

Tools of the Trade: Sewer Repair and Plumbing Tools for the "DIYer"Tools of the Trade: Sewer Repair and Plumbing Tools for the "DIYer"

In order to do a job well, it is necessary to have the right tools. And, while there are some fields where there are multiple tools that can accomplish the same purpose, when it comes to plumbing or sewer related issues, this is not the case. In fact, there is an assortment of tools designed specifically for plumbing related work. Consequently, many homeowners find that it is easier to just call in the plumbing and sewer specialist rather than tackle one of these jobs themselves.

Of course, there are some basic tools that should be a part of any homeowner's toolbox. These tools are:

• Crescent wrench
• 2 foot level
• Drill/driver
• Channel-lock style pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Needlenose pliers
• Utility knife
• Allen wrench set
• Caulk gun
• Flashlight
• Tape measure

Tools designed especially for plumbing, would be a great addition! They are not overly expensive, and once you have them and have learned to use them effectively, you will find there are many jobs you can do yourself and only need to call in a sewer or plumbing specialist for the big jobs that can occasionally arise. So, to help you build your plumber's toolbox, be sure you have these tools:

• Pipe wrenches are used to turn galvanized pipe; plan on having at least 2 of them
• Strap (or cloth) wrench so that you can remove pipes-especially chrome- that is easily scratched or damaged.
• Copper flaring tool which shapes the ends of copper tubing for flare fittings
• Valve seat wrenches are used to remove the small valve seats from worn faucets
• Spud wrenched are used to tighten large nuts that are 2-4 inches in diameter; if the option is available, get one that is adjustable so you can remove nuts and bolts of many different sizes.
• Stem wrenches twist off hard to reach nuts on plumbing fixtures; these are often used when removing a shower faucet as the stem wrench will not damage the tile work.
• A handle puller is used to free the handles of a faucet when corrosion has set in; this is not an uncommon problem when dealing with plumbing in older homes or in homes with compression faucets.
• Tubing benders help make kink-free copper tubing bends
• Augers are used to clean out drain pipes of build-up or debris
• Reseating tools grind a smooth faucet seat
• Pipe brushes are especially good for cleaning pipes before gluing or soldering
• An auto-ignition propane torch is used to heat the soldering copper and will be helpful for a wide array of plumbing related projects.

Once you have your toolbox well-stocked, there is no need to be fearful of plumbing problems or even minor sewer issues. Of course, it you would rather not do the work yourself, you can always find a professional plumber or sewer specialist to do the work for you. Their knowledge of the job and how the tools are used is one of the reasons that so many homeowners opt to leave sewer related jobs to the professionals.

For more information on sewer and plumbing repair or to receive a free estimate, visit Gene's Water & Sewer of  Minneapolis, MN.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Gene's Water & Sewer. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

What You Need to Know About Hiring a Septic & Sewer Professional

As a homeowner, there are many home maintenance needs that can occur. It may be the roof needing to be repaired, dryer vents needing to be cleaned, siding to be added and many others, but perhaps some of the most daunting are those related to plumbing or the sewer. After all, while many jobs may be tedious, anytime one has to work with the plumbing there seems to be more things that can go wrong than one would care to deal with. So rather than running the risk of more trouble that originally recognized, many homeowners opt to hire someone else to do the job.
However, there's more to hiring a septic contractor than just pulling out the phone book and calling the first one listed. Obviously, if it is an emergency repair, you may not have time to do all of the following; but, if you merely looking for someone to have in case of an emergency, here are 10 things to keep in mind in hiring a septic or sewer contractor.

1. Talk to any neighbors or friends who have had to have septic work and learn who they called and what they thought of the company/work. You will do best to have at least 3 to 5 contractors to choose from.
2. Once you have a few names, check out the companies on Angies List or the BBB to make sure they are reputable. You may also want to check out the company's websites to see if they have been rated by services like RatePoint. Ideally, you want someone who has a great deal of experience and is well established in your area.
3. Call the septic contractors and set up a consultation. This will help them to determine where the lines are and how accessible the septic system is. If possible, give the contractor a complete copy of the system design.
4. During the consultation(s), ask for price quote for assorted projects including labor, materials and equipment.
5. Ask for references, then take the time to call previous customers and ask about the company's workmanship, how much (if any) damage was done on their yard and how has their septic system worked since the septic company worked on their system.
6. Make sure the contractor provides the tools and materials for the job. The assorted components to a septic system can be confusing, and it is best left to a professional.
7. Find out if the contractor and any co-workers are insured.
8. Choose a contractor based on price, references and your impressions.
9. Be sure the contractor provides you with a valid certificate of insurance before any work is begun or payments are made.
10. Be sure that whichever septic contractor you choose provides you with a contract that includes the work to be done, the cost of the work, a payment schedule, start date and expected date the job will be finished by.

Learn why you should choose Gene's Water & Sewer of Minneapolis, MN for your septic needs at www.geneswaterandsewer.com. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Gene's Water & Sewer. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.