Gene's Water and Sewer | Twin Cities Water & Sewer Systems

There are many joys in home ownership, but like everything else in life there are also some challenges and the occasional issues. One of the more daunting tasks of the homeowner is dealing with sewer or plumbing concerns. After all, there is not much fun to be had dealing with clogged pipes, line back-ups, and obstructions. Fortunately many of them can be prevented by adhering to the following do's and don'ts of sewer and septic tanks maintenance. Tips for Avoiding Sewer Problems Some of the best things you can do to prevent sewer backups and blockages are: Always collect cooking grease, fats, and oils in a container to be thrown in the garbage. Do not just rinse these items down the drain. Be sure to throw away diapers, sanitary napkins, etc...in the garbage-NEVER flush these items down the commode! Install a sewer backflow preventer device (BPD) to prevent backflows or backups from the sewer. When it comes to landscaping, be sure that plants with spread...

Of all the jobs on the homeowner's "to do" list, chances are plumbing related work is not likely under the heading "Love to do". And in the world of plumbing, perhaps the least favorite job for a homeowner is that of sewer and flooding problems. After all, when there are sewer related problems then other issues such as loss of property, damage to the home, electrical malfunctions as a result of the excess moisture and even the risk of disease for one's family can occur. Consequently, it is necessary to do all you can to prevent sewer and water problems from being a part of your work list. One of the most common water problems is a wet basement. When this is experienced as a homeowner, it is important to determine where the water is coming from. This is typically the result of one of four common sources: Surface water that has run down the foundation walls. When this happens take a look at these areas: Check the gutters to see if they are block...

Even if you are a handyman and enjoy working on household projects, chances are there are certain jobs you would rather never have to do. It does not mean you can't do them, just that you don't enjoy spending your time on them. Perhaps one the most common chores that falls in to this category is that of plumbing /sewer related concerns. However, if you need to repair a water or sewer related problem there is a list of tools that you will want to have depending on whether your pipes are made of plastic, metal, cast-iron or copper. Plastic pipes require a plastic tubing cutter or you can opt to use either a PVC saw or a standard handsaw. Some people choose to use a utility knife, but this is often difficult and more labor intensive-especially for larger pipes. Metal pipes require a metal pipe cutter or a pipe reamer, a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw with a hack saw blade. Depending on how much room you are working in, it may be necessary to have mini hacksaw as well....

Knowing how the system works will help you clean and maintain yours. According to the EPA, one in four households in the United States today use some form of a septic system to dispose of household wastes, and with this figure comes great accountability. It is the responsibility of each individual homeowner to periodically maintain, inspect, and care for their own septic system, a task which not only can adversely affect the homeowner, but also the environment and future environmental health of the surrounding community. With every septic system comes four main parts, which are described in detail below: Main Household Drain Pipe: This pipe channels all household liquids and wastes from bathroom and kitchen sinks, toilets, and most other drains to the second part of the system, the septic tank. Septic Tank: Left untreated household wastes can detrimentally affect the absorption field and clog perimeter drains. Usually made out of concrete or fiberglass, the septic tank offers a place f...

What to do and how to prevent them A sewer backup problem can be disheartening and disgusting. Waking up one morning to find your basement or bathroom flowed with raw sewage can be a terrible experience. Furthermore situations like this can cause toxic black mold growth, which can be a large health hazard. It is important to know what to do when your home experiences a sewage backup, and how to prevent it. Step 1: Deal With the Issue Quickly Immediately discontinue use of all water inside and outside of your home. You may even want to turn water supply off to toilets and sinks if you have children so they do not accidentally make the problem bigger. Ask to use a neighbors facilities if you must, but don't continue to use water lines as the blockage will not allow water flow and will continue to cause more damaging sewer backup. Find out what the phone number is for your local Emergency Services Division is and give them a call. This number is not 911 but rather the local number you...

Sewers systems are not perfect. Problems with a sewer system can result in health hazards for the whole family. There are different degrees of sewer problems, and different ways to deal with them. Regardless of the type of problem, it should be addressed as soon as possible. Slow moving drains and clogged pipes can be the result of a home plumbing backup. Backups are more inconvenient than anything, and typically do not cause any lasting damage. Backups can typically be taken care of with a plunger or commercial drain cleaning products. Some backups are more severe and may require a professional to assist in the repairs. Backups may occasionally require the drains to be snaked, and most professionals are equipped with the tools to do this type of repair. The real problem with sewers is a backflow. Wastewater can come up through bathtubs or sinks or toilets even when the plumbing is not actively being used. This is usually indicative of a blockage in the main lines. Backups cannot be fi...

There are Alternatives if the Right Company is Used. Pneumatic, or air powered, Hole Hogs are essential tools for many aspects of construction and repair. The Hole Hog may be used by contractors, water repair companies, electric companies, and even cable television installers. The Hole Hog helps to keep driveways, pavement, and landscaping intact when a repair or installation is taking place. Using a Hole Hog can help to keep costs low because the tunnels made are self-contained and already clean, lowering cost of labor time and clean up. A Hole Hog is a machine comprised of one unit of high alloy steel which is then used to burrow under existing structures or sections of earth. The design is simple and does not have any welded areas or moveable pieces that may be easily damaged during use. Because the design of the Hole Hog is unique and allows for air to be passed more accurately, the speed and efficiency make the Hole Hog a wiser choice than traditional digging tools. A pneuma...