Low Flow Plumbing

March 5th, 2012

Did you know that old toilets use about 3.5 gallons of water per flush and newer efficient models use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush? Older shower heads may be using between 4 to 5 gallons of water per minute and newer low-flow shower heads only use about 2 ½ gallons.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures include toilets, faucets, and showerheads that use around 50 percent less water.

When your water and sewer bill come each month you pay for water coming into your home and the water going out of your home. If you are interested in saving money on your water bill consider low-flow plumbing fixtures. Call the plumbing guys if you have any questions on low-flow plumbing at 612-746-5545

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Home Plumbing Maintenance Tips

February 27th, 2012

The Plumbing Guys have had a few interesting plumbing stories over the years that are very common minor plumbing problems. We’d like to share some potential fixes with you that you can use to help solve a plumbing problem yourself. If you have one of these problems:

  • Clogged drains
  • Grill gas leaks (indoors or out)
  • Dropped item in your sink (rings, earring, etc.)
  • Leaky Faucets
  • How to determine a gas leak

You’ll find some plumbing problem solvers at http://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/Marketing/Files/MN-Res-WaterHeater-Rebate-Application.pdf

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Twin Cities Women’s Expo

February 20th, 2012

This is a show just for women featuring fun, food, fashion and shopping.

The two-day event runs on February 25th and 26th at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Talk radio 107.1 Shop Girls will be broadcasting live from the show with tips about shopping. Topics include where to find the best deals and what is hot and what is not in new products.

Some of the fun events include 360 communitites, food and wine vendors, local celebrities, local chefs, at home business’s and much more.

More info can be found on their official website.

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2012 Minnesota Golf Show

February 13th, 2012

If you are getting tired of all this cold weather it’s about time you started thinking Golf!

From February 17-19th, 2012 the Minneapolis Convention Center will be holding the 2012 Minnesota Golf Show. This year’s show will feature strategic clinics given by pros, demos of new equipment by the manufacturers, special bargains from area golf retailers and special offers from local golf courses.

If you miss playing golf this show will get you in tune for the upcoming season. There will be plenty of golf contests with prizes and free tee times and golf passes as well as up to 10 minutes of free instruction from Minnesota PGA teaching professionals.

For more info: www.minnesotagolfshow.com

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NEW 2012 Water Heater Rebate from Xcel Energy

February 6th, 2012

The 2nd largest consumer of energy in your home is your hot water heater. A new natural gas water heater can help save you money by reducing fuel costs and taking advantage of the new 2012 water heater rebates for Minnesota residences.

The rebates were designed to help offset the initial purchase cost of the new water heater. Purchasing a new efficient water heater will save you money by operating more efficiently and reducing your monthly energy bill. Natural gas standard tank water heater rebates are $40 to $200 and for a tankless water heater $400.

First you must use a registered contractor to take advantage of the rebate. The Plumbing Guys is on the list of Xcel Energy’s registered contractors. Next check with The Plumbing Guys that the unit we are installing qualifies for the rebate. The is no limit to the water heater rebates but each unit needs its own rebate form.

For questions about the residential water heater rebate program call The Plumbing Guys at:  612-746-5545

Download the rebate form: http://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/Marketing/Files/MN-Res-WaterHeater-Rebate-Application.pdf

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Super Bowl 46 Planning

January 30th, 2012

It’s almost time for the final game of the season between the best of the NFC and the best of the AFC when the best of the best will faceoff at Superbowl 46. This year the Superbowl will be played in Indianapolis, Indiana in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday February 5th, 2012, between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.  Whether you are watching the game from home or if you are going to purchase tickets this should be a really great game to watch. Tickets for Superbowl 46 at Ticketmaster are still available starting at $2,671 each ticket and that’s End Zone seating. Tickets for the 50 Yard Line seating start at $6,000 and goes up to $14,207.

The game will be broadcast worldwide and many Superbowl gatherings will be happening around the globe. What better way to get ready for this year’s game than testing your knowledge with 2 minute trivia superbowl edition.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/46

If you’re planning a Superbowl party this is a great time to inspect your plumbing before everyone arrives so all those little problems are fixed and there are no mishaps!

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Old Gas Meters and Gas Leaks

January 23rd, 2012

If you have a home that was built in the 1970’s and have never had your gas meter changed then it may be a good idea to inspect your outdoor meter. Meters get old and sometimes leak. If you should smell gas outside by your meter call your gas company right away and they will come check it for free. If you should smell gas inside your home get out of the house and call the gas company.

If you have Xcel Energy and have a gas odor problem or a natural gas emergency call: 1-800-895-2999 they are available 24 hours for more info call http://www.xcelenergy.com/Outages/Report_a_Problem

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Metal and Mineral Stains from Hard Water

January 16th, 2012

Hard water is high in dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not a health concern but it does result in mineral buildup in plumbing systems and requires a higher amount of soap or detergent to clean. If you have stains, or buildup in sinks, tubs and toilet bowls you probably have hard water. Another indication of hard water is when you need to use more soap to wash dishes, wash clothes and shower, or when it takes a long time to get the slippery feel of shampoo and soap off your hands.

Many municipal city water systems reduce water hardness. To find out what is in your drinking water visit your local city website and search for drinking water. If the information is not on the city website you may need to call your local city hall and ask for the information.

One of the solutions for hard water is installing a water softener that treats water as it comes into your home. For more info call the plumbing guys 612-746-5545.

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Older Toilets Can Waste Water

January 9th, 2012

Older less efficient toilets waste several gallons of water each day.  It is estimated by the EPA that a family of four will save more than $90 in reduced water utility bills per year by installing a more efficient toilet.  Still many people do not make the upgrade to new toilets because they have heard bad stories from the early 90’s about clogs with first generation “low flow” toilets.

Since then new technology has been developed and new toilets designed that flush better. With modifications to toilet bowl designs and pressure-assisted flushing, high efficiency toilets developed today flush better and only use 1.3 gallon of water per flush.

To learn more about having your toilet replaced with a new water-efficient model give us a call 612-746-5545.

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Happy New Year!

January 2nd, 2012

All of us here at The Plumbing Guys would like to thank all of you for a very good year.

We hope you all had a great 2011 and we wish you an even better 2012!

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