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Showing posts with the label sewer system repair

Water & Sewer System Issues & How to Avoid Them

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Having a constant water supply and dependable sewer line in your home is essential to daily life. So, when something goes down; it can be a huge inconvenience. At Gene’s Water & Sewer, we understand this. We make it our top priority get them fixed as expertly and efficiently as possible. Our water and sewer system experts have been repairing Robbinsdale area water and sewer systems for decades. And, over the years, we have seen a wide variety of issues; some of them more common than others. That’s why we would like to take a minute to discuss some of these issues so that you can know exactly what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to your water and sewer systems. Water Systems If you’re experiencing a rust-brown tint in your water, this could be a sign that there is an issue with your water line. The discoloration can happen because of the type of pipes you have, corrosion, or even dirt and soil entering through the cracks.  Sewer Systems A major cause of sewe...

How to Keep Your Sewer System in Good Shape

There are few things in life worse than a problem with your sewer system. It can be a stinky mess, and it can sometimes get quite expensive to repair it. However, there are some things you can do to avoid sewer system repair in your Twin Cities home, so here are a few suggestions. The most common reason we are called for sewer system repair is when a tree root has infiltrated the system and caused a hole in the pipes. Sometimes, there isn’t much you can do to prevent this, especially if the tree has already been planted. But if you are thinking about planting any new trees in your yard, be sure you figure out where your sewer pipes run before deciding on where to have them planted. You can avoid sewer system repair if you plant trees well away from your sewer lines. That way, the root system can grow as big as it needs to and you won’t have to worry about having your sewer system repaired or replaced. Another thing you can do to avoid sewer system repair is to make sure e...

Preventing Sewer System Repairs in Roseville MN this Spring

It's just about a month from the start of spring. Soon all of you who love to plant will be back out there getting your hands dirty. If you're planning on planting trees or large shrubs this spring, we have some advice. It's easy to accidentally plant a tree too close to your sewer lines, thus creating problems for you in the future. If you're a resident of Roseville MN, sewer system repair can sometimes be thwarted with a little planning. Find the Layout of Your Sewer System It's important to find out where your sewer system and sewer lines are before you plant anything with long roots. It is possible for the roots to grow right through your sewer system and break it. Though it may not be a problem for many years, it's something you can prevent if you do a little bit of research. Your city's sewer department will have an infrastructure map for you to refer to if you don't know where your sewer lines are already. Plant Around Your Sewer Syste...

Controlling Tree Roots in Plymouth Sewer Lines

There are few things that Plymouth MN homeowners fear like tree roots in their sewer line. It places the homeowner in a difficult predicament: if left untreated, the problem can continue to get worse. Treating this problem, however, can force a homeowner to seek out costly repairs and replacements. So, what do you do? If tree roots have invaded your sewer lines, then you have no choice but to seek out a Plymouth MN sewer repair company. However, if you’re looking to prevent tree roots from invading your sewer lines, then one of the best ways to do so is with copper sulfate. What’s copper sulfate? It’s an inexpensive compound that can be found at most garden centers and drug stores. When used properly, it can result in spectacular control of root growth. How do I use it? The best way to utilize copper sulfate to offset the need for a Plymouth sewer repair company is to place about 1/2 cup (in small doses) into the toilet bowl and flush the toilet a few times to make s...

Edina Sewer Repair: 4 Signs of Failing Pipes

There are three words which can send a shudder up the spine of any homeowner: “sewer line repair.” It’s often expensive, and homeowners are often responsible for the sewer line that runs from the street to the house. Sewer pipes in the street can often be impacted by tree roots, built-up gunk and disintegration. However, you can avoid the heartache – and financial impact – caused by Edina sewer repairs by spotting early indications of failing sewer pipes: Slow draining tubs, sinks and showers It can be a pain to deal with sinks, tubs and showers that drain at a slow rate. While you may want to react to the problem by pouring Drano or another liquid clog remover down the drain, this is not a good solution when dealing with older pipes, as they can be eaten away by these harsh products. Plus, a slow drain is the first sign of sewer pipe issues. Get in touch with an Edina sewer repair expert as soon as possible to take a look at the issue. Strange sounds and smells Another ...

Be Careful when Dealing with Sewer Repairs

Sewer repairs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 and beyond. As one article noted: Add to that the inconvenience, damage to one's yard and the need to have people in and out of your home while the sewer repair is being made and you have the ingredients for a less than wonderful time.   In many cases, Twin Cities sewer repair can be avoided just by taking some simple precautions. Be careful using products that say they remove grease.  Don't pour grease or oil down the drain.  Avoid disposing of anythings like cleaning fluids, antifreeze and paints down the drain.  Steer clear of septic lines when planting trees or shrubs.  Read the entire article: " Preventing Sewer Repair Needs ." 

Prevent the Need for Sewer Repairs

We don't really give our plumbing much thoughts until it's too late and we need to call in a Minneapolis sewer repair expert. As one article noted: Of course, when things go wrong, you can bet on it, they will occur at the most inconvenient time possible.  Preventing the need for sewer repairs isn't a difficult task. Simply by having the lines inspected on a semi-regular basis; not flushing down the toilets things that shouldn't be flushed; not pouring grease or oil down the drain; and steering clear of septic lines when planting shrubbery or trees can prevent the need for having to call in an expert. Read the entire article: " Preventing Sewer Repair Needs ."

Sewer Repair Can Take Many Forms

Sewer repair is never thought of until it is urgently needed. The sewer system serving your home is probably thought about less than any other utility. This is probably because it is completely out of sight except for where waste water is initially drained. But if it stops working, it can be more inconvenient than a power outage. Newer homes with PVC drains may last for a hundred years without any serious problems. However, homes that are more than thirty years old may have sewer pipes that are made of clay. These only have an expected life of fifty to sixty years or less, but in some cases they do last longer. There are quite a few things that can cause problems with sewer lines. The most common and easiest to fix are simple clogs from built up grease on the pipe, or foreign objects that catch on seams or in bends in the line. This type of problem can often be corrected with a plumber’s snake. More serious problems include blockage from tree root intrusion into the pipes...

Sewer Repair Material Options

Sewer repair is not something one wants to deal with under the best if circumstances. It is messy, can take a day or two to deal with and expensive. However, it can be a necessary evil for property owners. In years past, the types of material used for sewer/plumbing were somewhat limited, but today there is a variety of choices available when installing new or making sewer repairs. Each of them have their own pros and cons, so if dealing with sewer repair is something you are facing, or perhaps hoping to avoid, then being aware of your options, is important. Here is a list of the more common sewer repair or installation choices. Cast Iron – As one of the oldest materials used in sewer lines and plumbing, cast iron is still used from time to time but it is more commonly found in many historic buildings and older construction. Copper – This is still considered the standard in sewer repair and installation as it is a softer material, making it easier to manipulate; it is non-toxic fo...

Tips on Taking Care of a Sewer System

There are many things a homeowner must take care of, and that includes the water and sewage. When a sewer line isn't working like it should and you need to call a Minneapolis sewer system repair company, it can be problematic. Luckily, there are several preventative measures you can take, as one article recently noted: Keeping your plumbing and sewer system in good working order is not a difficult task. It does take some due diligence on your part, but it is doable. That due diligence includes never putting bacon grease, fat, oils and so forth down the kitchen drain; flushing items like paper towels, feminine care items, diapers and the like down the toilet; not dumping cleaning fluids, anti-freeze, etc. down the kitchen sink; and making sure the traps and drains of your sink and tub are cleaned out often. Read the entire article: " Keeping it Clean: Taking Care of Your Sewer System ."

The advantages to no-dig sewer repairs

Traditionally, when you had problems with your sewer lining, the repair people would have to dig up the line in order to fix the problem. Now, thanks to advances in technology, what is broken underground can be repaired above ground. Minneapolis sewer lining replacement that doesn’t dig up your yard (i.e. trenchless pipe replacement) saves you from having to replant, re-sod and reseed once the repair trucks have left. We wrote an article a while back on the advantages of no dig repairs and noted: These advantages pose a less stressful and more cost effective means of repairs. No-dig repairs can be done in any weather and are sure to make the neighbors happy, as their properties won't be disturbed during the process. It can be stressful enough having to get your sewer line fixed, and you don’t need the added stress of trying to figure out how you’re going to get your landscaping back in order. Plus, while your neighbors will more than likely be understanding about the n...

Benefits of Sewer Lining

For those who take a lot of pride in their landscape, and are proud of the hard work they've put into it, it can be someone troubling when a sewer-related problem creeps up. Back before trenchless sewer lining repair technology became more widespread, a sewer repair project meant completely digging up all of the pipes under the ground. This also meant destroying whatever was on the surface. Luckily, the process of sewer lining is around to save a lot of homeowners from major headaches. Instead of having to dig up and replace entire pipes, sewer lining requires one hole to be dug, and uses technology that can line an existing pipe that is damaged. This essentially creates a pipe within the damaged pipe, and can not only save your yard from being completely dug up, but can also save you major costs since you won't have to replace large pipes and have more man hours spent on your project. If you have a sewer pipe problem, you can call Gene's Water and Sewer for Minneapolis...

How Does Sewer Lining Work?

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The process of sewer lining can help fix a pipe without the need for excessive digging. Instead of replacing a pipe with another pipe, your existing pipe housing is used and a "thread" soaked in resin is inserted into your pipe using a probe. When the probe is pulled out and the sewer lining thread is left intact, the thread hardens and becomes a sort of "pipe within a pipe." Your pipe once again will function normally, and you'll see the benefits of a pipe repair without the mess of a full pipe replacement. Gene's Water & Sewer has been serving the Twin Cities metro for over 35 years, performing trenchless sewer repairs using sewer lining methods and technologies. Contact us today at (612) 781-3737, or complete our free sewer lining estimate form online.

FAQs about Sewer Lining

Trenchless sewer repair allows us to perform repairs to sewer pipes that are not as disruptive as full replacements. Instead of digging up an entire pipe to replace, we can instead use a sewer lining to repair the broken or worn parts of the pipe without replacing the whole thing. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about sewer lining and how it is used in trenchless sewer repair. Which pipes can be lined? A number of different pipe types can be repaired with sewer liner . PVC, ductile iron, concrete, clay, or cast iron -- all can be lined. How long does a sewer liner last? The life expectancy of a sewer liner is approximately 50 years. Can spot repairs be performed? Yes! The advantage of performing trenchless repairs is that only the damaged parts of the pipe have to be repaired, and no major digging is required to make those repairs happen. Interested in learning more about how sewer lining can help repair your pipe? Give Gene's Water & Sewer a cal...

Signs You Might Need a Sewer Line Repair

"You need a sewer line repair." Not exactly what you want to hear from your plumbing specialist, but if you do, it usually means something has gone wrong. Before you call a plumbing specialist, such as Gene's Water & Sewer , here are a few signs you might need a sewer line repair. Changing water levels in your toilet bowl. Is the water in your toilet bowl normal, then low, then high, depending on when you see it? This can point to problems with your sewer line. Strange smells or sounds coming from your plumbing. If your sewer line isn't functioning as it should, debris and waste could be getting caught in it, causing strange smells to come from your system. Strange sounds can also present themselves when things aren't quite working right. Slow-draining pipes. When the line is backed up or has broken in one or more areas, drainage can slow significantly. This most likely will lead to a sewer line repair.  Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? I...

Why Your Sewer Might Become Clogged

Bad news: your sewer line is clogged . Now, when you flush, nothing moves. Not a good situation to be in, right? Narrowing down the cause of your clogged sewer line is a job for Gene's Water and Sewer. After taking a look at your sewer system, Gene's might find that roots have broken into your septic line, attracted by the water vapor leaving the pipe. Another cause could be foreign objects that have become wedged inside your pipe, allowing nothing else to pass through. Lastly, there are instances when your sewer line will simply collapse, leaving your waste with nowhere to go. Gene's Water and Sewer can take care of any clogged sewer problems you're facing. Call 612-781-3737 or request a free sewer repair estimate .

How Does a Septic System Work?

Those outside large cities and metros usually have to rely on a private septic system to get rid of waste from their home. There are three types of sewer systems these homeowners can use: anaerobic; aerobic; and hybrid aerobic/anaerobic system. The process generally starts when waste leaves the home. Waste travels through a 4-inch pipe, moved only by gravity. When it reaches the tank, waste is dividing into three sections in the tank -- sludge at the bottom, an effluent section in the middle, and surface scum at the top. Over time, the surface scum and bottom sludge are broken down by your waste's naturally present bacteria. Does your septic or sewer system need repaired? Give Gene's Water & Sewer a call at 612-781-3737.

Learn More About Gene's Water & Sewer

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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?

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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

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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.