The Best Plumbing FAQs From Our Expert Insiders

Especially in Minnesota, having your pipes freeze can be a nightmare. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to prevent:

• Make sure your thermostat is always set to at least 60 degrees
• Insulate your pipes
• Turn off the water to outside faucets and disconnect hoses
• Keep cabinet doors open to enable warm air circulation

If your pipes are frozen solid, give our expert plumbers a call.

There is no one single reason why your toilet is running—the problem could be caused by several issues. Use this quick checklist to find the source:

• Adjust the chain length in your toilet tank to ensure the flapper sits correctly.
• Check the flapper to make sure it isn’t worn out or cracked. Replace the flapper if need be.
• Measure the water level in the toilet’s tank—too much water will constantly fill the overflow tube while too little won’t fill it enough. In both cases, it will cause your toilet to run.
• Jiggle the toilet handle. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a sticky handle. If this is the case, just replace it.

Liquid drain cleaners are convenient, but they are terrible for your pipes. Instead, try mixing ½ cup of salt with ½ cup of baking soda and pouring the result down your clogged drain. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (ideally, leave it be for a few hours) before flushing it out with boiling water.

Other natural alternatives to chemicals include drain snakes, plungers, and cleaning out sink traps. If none of these methods work, you may need to call Cities 1 for some extra plumbing help.

The answer depends on a few variables, including the type of pipe, how much water you use, and your home’s design. In general, try to watch for water pressure issues or frequent leaking—these are two warning signs of a deeper problem. If you do see them, count on Cities 1 for all your repiping needs.

On average, you can expect your water heater to last you anywhere from eight to 12 years. Like anything, that number depends on how well you take care of your current system, as well as how well it was installed, the quality of your water, and where it’s located.