We try to focus on topics and issues, rather than stories and anecdotes... but you'll still find a few of those.
Minnesota adopted a new state plumbing code on January 23rd, 2016. We've always had a home-grown plumbing code, but for the first time, Minnesota has adopted a national plumbing code - the 2012 UPC - along with our standard list of amendments.
Read MoreStarting this year, I’m going to begin recommending two new inspection services in addition to standard home inspections; sewer scans and level 2 chimney inspections.
Read MoreThe first thing to know about these faucets is that there is no need for an exterior vacuum breaker.
Read MoreI recently came across a plumbing vent flashing repair device that looked like a cross between a two-piece plumbing vent cap and Darth Vader's helmet.
Read MoreOn April 16th, new energy efficiency standards from the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) go into effect for water heaters.
Read MoreI blogged about how saddle valves are illegal products in Minnesota nearly five years ago, and it's time for an update on that topic with some more information.
Read Morethis particular issue seems to completely befuddle folks... majority of the comments were questions from readers who were trying to troubleshoot their own leaking TPR valves
Read MoreIf you're buying an old house, beware of old galvanized steel water pipes. These pipes build up with sediment on the inside, making the inside diameter of the pipe smaller and smaller over time, eventually to the point where water flow is unusable. These pipes also corrode at the joints, which can lead to leaks.
Read MoreWinterizing the outside faucets in the fall seems like a simple thing to do, and it seems like it should be straightforward and easy, but there are a few tricks you need to know to make sure all the water is out.
Read MoreSquirrels seem to love destroying plumbing vent caps. Specifically, they chew holes in the lead portion of two-piece frost-resistant plumbing vent caps.
Read MoreMany older houses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul have an old style of plumbing trap called a drum trap, which is no longer allowed in Minnesota except in special circumstances. The main problem with drum traps is that they're not self-scouring.
Read MoreThe newest version of the Minnesota State Plumbing Code, which was published electronically on November 13, 2012, now requires a safety device to be installed on bath tubs to help reduce the potential for serious injury at bath tubs. Here's the exact text, which comes from section 4715.1240 of the Minnesota State Plumbing Code:
Read MoreAlong with all of the cold weather we've been having comes a bunch of non-functional plumbing vents all over Minnesota. The problem is that plumbing vents can get completely blocked shut with frost when it's cold outside for a long period of time.
Read MorePlumbing vents prevent traps from being siphoned. The common, improper analogy is to talk about dumping a soda bottle upside down. This analogy doesn't hold water because the top side of every plumbing fixture is wide open.
Read MoreJust because they sell it doesn't mean it's legal. I often hear homeowners say "If these things aren't allowed in Minnesota, why'd the guy at the store sell it to me?"
Read MoreAs a home inspector, I tend to take shut-off valves for granted and assume everyone knows what they are, how they work, and what can go wrong with them.
Read MoreThere's a rumor out there that the faucets purchased at plumbing supply stores are superior to faucets purchased at big box home improvement retailers, such as Home Depot. Just ask any plumber about this, and they'll probably tell you it's true.
Read MoreWhy do your plumbing fixtures stink? I have an idea. It might be sewer gases coming in to your home. Every plumbing fixture needs to be equipped with a trap, which is basically a dip in a pipe that water fills up. This water sitting in the trap is what prevents sewer gases from coming in to your home.
Read MoreFloodSafe® washing machine connectors are special hoses with a mechanism that will completely shut off the flow of water if the hose bursts. In last week's blog post about washing machine connectors, I mentioned that I'm not a big fan.
Read More
