As Minnesota temperatures plummet in January, your plumbing system faces one of its biggest challenges of the year: the risk of frozen pipes. A single frozen pipe can burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage—not to mention major headaches.

At Tony’s Plumbing and Heating, we want to help you avoid winter plumbing emergencies. Here’s what every homeowner should know this season.

Why Do Pipes Freeze in Winter?
When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze, expand, and eventually cause the pipe to burst. Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas—like basements, garages, crawlspaces, or exterior walls—are the most vulnerable.

Common causes of frozen pipes include:

• Lack of insulation around plumbing
• Cracked windows or air leaks near pipes
• Thermostat set too low when you're away from home

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
The good news? With a few simple steps, you can prevent frozen pipes and protect your home.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Insulate pipes in cold areas with foam pipe insulation.
• Keep cabinet doors open (especially under sinks) to let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Let faucets drip slightly on bitterly cold nights—moving water is less likely to freeze.
• Seal cracks and openings around pipes to prevent cold air from creeping in.
• Keep the thermostat consistent, even when you're away—ideally 55°F or higher.

Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen
Catch the warning signs early to avoid disaster. Look out for:

• Little or no water flow from faucets
• Frost or condensation on visible pipes
• Odd smells from drains (which can mean a pipe is blocked with ice)

If you notice any of these red flags, don’t wait—take action immediately.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
First things first: turn off the water supply to prevent damage if the pipe bursts.
Then:

• Use a hair dryer or space heater to gently warm the pipe (never use an open flame!)
• Open nearby faucets to allow melted water to flow out
• Call a professional plumber if you can’t access or safely thaw the pipe

At Tony’s Plumbing and Heating, we’re just a phone call away and ready to help with emergency service.

Winter Plumbing Tune-Ups: Peace of Mind All Season
January is a great time for a plumbing and heating checkup. During a winter tune-up, our licensed technicians can:

• Check for vulnerable pipes
• Ensure your furnace is running efficiently
• Look for leaks, cracks, or signs of wear
• Test your water heater performance

It’s a small investment that can save you from big problems later.
​
Call Tony’s Plumbing and Heating Today! 
​Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter. Whether you need help winterizing your home, thawing a pipe, or upgrading your system, Tony’s Plumbing and Heating is here for you.

Call us today to schedule your winter plumbing check-up and enjoy a warm, worry-free season.

It can be confusing when you’re doing a little DIY plumbing, so we put together some information for you to understand the basics of your toilet. What are all the pieces and parts? If someone says, “your flapper may not be sealed”, do you even know what a flapper is?

A toilet has two main parts, the tank and the bowl. The tank holds all the “plumbing” so to speak. It has all the bits that make the toilet flush. This includes the fill valve, the flush valve, the flapper, and the float. And of course the bowl is the part you sit on. 

Toilet tank components

• Toilet/flush handle: The lever on the side of the tank that you push or pull to flush. A dual-flush toilet will have buttons on the tank lid. (There is a dual flush tank that has two buttons on top that can release different amounts of water.)
• Trip lever:  Connected to the toilet handle on the outside of the tank and connected to the flapper by a chain. When you push down on the toilet handle, it will pull the chain, breaking the seal and allowing water to “flush” the bowl. 
• Chain: Connects the flush handle to the flapper.
• Float ball: Looks like a ball that floats on the water's surface to signal the fill valve to stop the flow of water once it reaches the correct level.
• Fill valve/ Ballcock:  This controls the flow of water into the tank and refills it after the toilet is flushed.
• Flush valve/gasket: A large opening at the bottom of the tank that is sealed by the flapper valve.
• Flapper Valve: Seals the flush valve, so the tank can fill with water. It’s like a plug.  When the toilet is flushed, it lifts up to let water rush into the bowl.
• Overflow tube: A vertical tube that prevents the tank from overfilling and therefore overflowing out of the toilet.
• Supply line: A flexible hose that connects the toilet to the water supply line on the wall. 
• Stop valve/Shut off valve: Attached to the water supply line on the wall,  this valve can turn the water off and stop the flow into the toilet tank.

Toilet bowl components

• Seat and lid
• Rim: The top edge of the bowl that has small holes underneath to allow water to flow in and rinse the bowl.
• Trapway: The S-shaped pipe at the bottom of the bowl that carries waste into the drain.
• Siphon jet: A jet of water that clears the trapway.
• Closet flange: A fitting that connects the toilet and seals to the waste pipe. 

Use this as a guide to understand how a toilet works. Hopefully this understanding will help you maintain your toilet when necessary. And when things are beyond your own skills, give us a call at Tony’s Plumbing and Heating and we can get your toilet flushing again in no time.

Ok, here it comes. The holidays are upon us and it is already stressful without having to deal with a plumbing emergency. But fear not. If you happen to hit a seasonal snafu, here are some ways to handle problems before you have to call a plumber.

Clogged toilet: When your toilet is clogged, do not try to flush it again, this can cause it to overflow. 

1. If the toilet is overflowing, turn off the water coming into the toilet by turning the shut off valve located behind the toilet and attached to the wall. This will stop the flow of water into the toilet and stop the over flow. 
2. Next, get a plunger and start plunging. A flange plunger works best because it creates a better seal. Make sure there is a good seal, then plunge forcefully up to 10 times. This should clear the problem. Repeat this process if it doesn’t unclog.
3. Use some old towels to clean up any mess on the floor. 

If you’re lucky, the clog will unjam and the water will drain quickly and it’s a fairly painless fix! If the clog persists, you may have a bigger issue.

Fixing a garbage disposal backup:

1. First turn off the power to the garbage disposal; go to the electrical breaker box to turn off the power. 
2. Use a flashlight to see any debris that may be stuck in the drain, then remove the debris with tongs (never put your hand down the drain). 
3. Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit. Look for a small, red or black reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit and press it firmly. 
4. Turn the power back on, and see if this fixed the problem.  
5. If it is still clogged, turn the power off again. Then manually rotate the blades with an allen wrench: find the hexagonal socket on the underside of the disposal and insert an Allen wrench and rotate back and forth. This should clear whatever is jammed in there and free the impellers. Impellers are a pair of metal lugs that are mounted on a spinning plate (they are not the blades).
6. If it is still clogged, see below.

Clogged sink:

1.  Use a sink plunger to dislodge the blockage. Place it over the sink drain to create a good seal and place a towel or stopper over the other sink drain if you have a double sink to create suction.
2. Use vinegar and baking soda to help clear the drain. Pour baking soda (½ cup) into the drain, then add white vinegar (1 cup) to let the mixture fizz. Let the mixture sit for about 20-30 minutes to break down the clog. Then add boiling water down the drain to flush the clogged materials out. 
3. If the problem persists, check the P-trap. The P-trap is the u-shaped pipe under your sink. Place a bucket under the pipe and loosen the slip nuts to remove the trap and check for blockages. Clean it out and reassemble the plumbing, then run cold water to flush it out.

If these fixes don’t cure your plumbing ailments, then you’ll have to call in a plumber to deal with whatever bigger issue is lurking underneath the surface. Tony’s Plumbing and Heating is here to help, even if it is after hours. Give us a ring and we can get your holidays back on track.

November is the last call for easy home maintenance before winter hits with a vengeance! When the first hard freeze arrives, your plumbing and heating systems will be working overtime. Performing some preventive maintenance now can save you time and money in the future, a massive headache—and an expensive emergency call—later.

Here are three simple "Home Hacks" from the pros at Tony's Plumbing and Heating that every homeowner can do this weekend.

Hack #1: The Water Heater "Flush and Rescue"

Your water heater is about to become your home's hardest worker. Sediment (mineral deposits) builds up on the bottom of the tank, acting like a blanket that forces your heater to work harder and longer, which wastes energy and shortens the unit's lifespan.
The 1-Hour Hack:

1. Turn off the gas or electricity supply to the water heater.
2. Connect your garden hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank.*
3. Run the other end of the hose to a nearby drain or outside. Open the drain valve and let the water (and all that chunky sediment) run out. You may need to open the pressure relief valve to help the water flow.
4. Once the water runs clear, close the drain valve, detach the hose, and turn the water and power back on.

Pro Tip from Tony’s: If you hear popping or rumbling sounds when your water heater runs, that's sediment! This hack is mandatory. If your unit is over 10 years old, call us for a professional inspection—it might be time for a safer, more efficient replacement.

Hack #2: The Furnace Filter "Sticky Note" Reminder
The heating season is here, and a clean filter is the single cheapest way to boost efficiency and maintain warm air flow. A dirty filter chokes your furnace, making it burn more fuel for the same result.

The 5-Minute Hack:

1. Check and Change: Locate your furnace filter (usually in a slot where the return duct enters the unit) and check the date on the old one. If it's been 90 days or more, replace it with a new, correctly sized filter.
2. The Sticky Note Hack: Write the current date (e.g., "November 2025") on a new filter with a sharpie before you slide it in. Then, place a sticky note on the furnace door or nearby with the next change date (e.g., "Change in Feb"). This eliminates the guesswork!

Pro Tip from Tony’s: Changing your filter regularly can prevent a clogged system that causes your furnace to completely shut down on the coldest day of the year. If your furnace is blowing cold air, or if it’s making loud noises, don't wait—your favorite HVAC today.

Hack #3: The Frozen Pipe "Cabinet Door" SolutionThe pipes most likely to freeze are those located along an exterior wall, especially under a kitchen or bathroom sink. They're only protected by a thin layer of cabinet wood and drywall.

The 5-Second Hack (for extreme cold):

1. Locate Vulnerable Sinks: Identify sinks that sit on an outside wall of your home.
2. Open the Doors: When temperatures dip below freezing, simply open the cabinet doors under those sinks. This allows warm air from your house to circulate around the pipes and prevents the water inside from freezing and bursting the line.
3. Use a Slow Drip: For maximum protection during an overnight freeze, let a faucet connected to that line run at a slow, steady drip. Moving water is much harder to freeze.

Pro Tip from Tony’s: If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle of water, you may have a frozen pipe. Immediately turn off your main water valve to prevent* a rupture when the pipe thaws, and contact Tony's Plumbing without delay. Do NOT use a blowtorch or any open flame to thaw the pipe, as this poses a fire hazard!

Need a Professional Hand? Don't let a major repair ruin your holidays. The certified team at Tony's Plumbing and Heating is ready to tackle the jobs that are too big for a simple hack. Call Tony's Plumbing and Heating today to schedule your professional winter service!

*https://www.watermedia.org/how-to-turn-water-heater-off
*https://www.ericasplumbing.com/how-to-install-hot-water-heater-fl/
*https://www.parson-plumbing.com/post/frozen-pipes-how-to-prevent-and-safely-restart-the-flow

November is here, and for homeowners, that means one thing: the clock is ticking on winter preparation. The single most common (and most expensive) winter home emergency is a burst pipe.

A line of frozen, expanding water can cause a crack that floods your home once it thaws—leading to thousands in water damage. The good news? It is entirely preventable with a little November "Plumbing Patrol."

Here are the three critical steps you need to take this month, and how Tony's Plumbing can help you check the items that require an expert's touch.

Step 1: Focus on Your Outdoors (The Hose Bibs)Your outdoor faucets (or hose bibs) are the most vulnerable pipes in your entire home. Any water left in the line between your house and the spigot is exposed to freezing cold air and will freeze solid.

Your DIY Action Plan:

1. Disconnect: Remove and drain all garden hoses. Store them in the garage or shed. Leaving a hose attached keeps water trapped in the pipe and is the #1 cause of cracked outdoor faucets.
2. Shut Off: Find the shut-off valve for your outdoor spigots inside your home (usually in the basement or utility room). Turn it off.
3. Drain: Open the outdoor faucet one last time to drain any residual water from the line.
4. Cover: Place an insulated foam faucet cover (available at any hardware store) over the spigot for extra protection.

How Tony's Plumbing Can Help:
If you have an automated sprinkler or irrigation system, it needs to be properly drained and "blown out" with an air compressor. This is a job best left to the pros to ensure all the water is cleared without damaging the system. Call us today to schedule your system blowout.

Step 2: Insulate the Vulnerable Spots (The Unheated Areas)The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those running through unheated spaces.

Your DIY Action Plan:

1. Locate Exposed Pipes: Walk through your garage, basement, crawl spaces, and attic. Look for any exposed pipes against exterior walls.
2. Seal Any Air Leaks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any small cracks or gaps in your exterior walls where cold air can rush in and hit the pipes. Pay close attention to where utility lines enter the house.
3. Open Cabinets: During extreme cold snaps, keep the cabinet doors open under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows warm air from the house to circulate around the pipes that are often installed against exterior walls.*

How Tony's Plumbing Can Help:
For long runs of piping in difficult-to-access crawlspaces or basements, we can expertly install pipe insulation or, for the most vulnerable spots, electric heat cable (heat tape) to ensure they stay warm even during an arctic blast.


Step 3: Prepare for the Worst (The Emergency Plan)No matter how well you prepare, accidents happen. You need to know what to do when an unexpected cold snap is coming or if you find a leak.

Your DIY Action Plan:

1. Know Your Main Shut-Off: Locate your home's main water shut-off valve and ensure every adult in the house knows how to use it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main water line is the only way to stop the flooding. Test it now to make sure it’s not seized up!
2. Test Your Sump Pump: Pour a bucket of water into your sump pit to ensure the pump activates correctly. * You need this working flawlessly when the snow melts.

If you are experiencing problems, we highly recommend a professional look at your Water Heater before it has to work overtime this winter. Cold incoming water puts a massive strain on your unit.
Don’t gamble your home's safety on a cold snap! Call Tony's Plumbing & Heating today to schedule your winterization service.


*https://atchleyair.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-winter-storm/
*https://www.marathonhvac.com/plumbing/rancho-park-ca/sump-pumps/

Is Your Water Heater Ready for the Minnesota Winter?

October is a beautiful month in Oakdale. The leaves are at their peak, the air is crisp, and we’re all enjoying those last few weeks of moderate weather before the inevitable Minnesota winter takes hold. But while you’re planning your pumpkin-carving and apple-picking, there’s one essential part of your home you should be thinking about: your water heater.

At Tony’s Plumbing & Heating, we know that your water heater is the unsung hero of your home. It works hard all year, but when the temperature plummets and the incoming water is ice-cold, it has to work even harder. A little preventative maintenance now can save you from a major breakdown—and a cold shower—in the middle of a January cold snap.

Here’s why October is the perfect time for a water heater check-up and what you should be looking out for.

Why Your Water Heater Works Overtime in the Winter

Your water heater’s job is to heat the water coming into your home to a set temperature. In the summer, the ground temperature is warmer, so the incoming water is relatively mild. But in the dead of winter, that water can be close to freezing. This means your water heater has to use significantly more energy to bring the water up to a comfortable temperature, putting extra strain on the unit.
This increased demand can expose existing problems, leading to a breakdown when you need hot water most.

3 Warning Signs Your Water Heater Might Be Failing

Before it gives up entirely, your water heater will often give you a few subtle clues that something is wrong. Don't ignore these signs!

1. Strange Noises: If you hear rumbling, banging, or popping sounds coming from your water heater, it's likely due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This sediment forces the heating element to work harder and can eventually cause damage to the unit.
2. Lack of Hot Water: Are you running out of hot water faster than usual, or is it not getting as hot as it used to? This is a clear sign of a problem, either with the unit’s heating ability or the size of the tank for your household's needs.
3. Visible Leaks or Rust: A small puddle of water or rust on or around the tank is a major red flag. Leaks can be caused by a failing pressure relief valve, a loose connection, or a rusted-out tank, which often means it's time for a replacement.

What You Can Do to Prepare

• Flush the Tank: Draining and flushing your water heater helps remove the mineral sediment that can build up over time. This simple maintenance step improves efficiency and can extend the life of your unit.
• Insulate Pipes: Insulating the hot water pipes coming out of your water heater will help the water stay hot as it travels to your faucets and showers, reducing the strain on the unit.
• Know When to Call a Pro: The best thing you can do for your water heater is have a professional inspection. Our technicians at Tony’s Plumbing & Heating can assess the age and condition of your unit, perform a professional flush, and help you determine if a simple repair or a full replacement is the right choice.

Is It Time for an Upgrade?

If your water heater is over 10-12 years old, it’s living on borrowed time. A new, high-efficiency model can save you money on your utility bills and provide the peace of mind of a reliable hot water supply. We specialize in both traditional tank water heaters and modern, energy-saving tankless water heaters.
Don't let a failing water heater leave you in the cold. Take a proactive step this October to ensure your home is ready for the long winter ahead.

It’s easy to think of a Minnesota winter as being a long way off, but as any local knows, the first hard freeze can sneak up on us. Here at Tony's Plumbing & Heating, we've seen firsthand the damage that a single night of sub-freezing temperatures can cause. A burst pipe isn't just a simple leak; it can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage to your walls, floors, and personal belongings.

In our over 35 years of serving the Oakdale community, we've helped countless homeowners navigate this stressful situation. We want to help you avoid it entirely! This post is dedicated to a very important topic for any Minnesota homeowner: preventing frozen pipes.

What Causes a Pipe to Freeze?
It’s not just a lack of heat. A pipe can freeze for several reasons:

• Poor Insulation: Pipes in unheated areas like your basement, crawl spaces, garage, or even behind a wall with an outside faucet are at high risk.
• Open Vents or Cracks: Cold air can easily enter your home through small cracks or gaps in your foundation, especially near plumbing lines.
• Leaving Water Trapped: As we mentioned in our last post, leaving a hose connected to an outdoor spigot is a classic mistake.

What Are the Warning Signs?
While a frozen pipe doesn't always burst immediately, there are a few signs that you have a problem:

• No Water: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, or no water at all, it's a strong indication that the pipe leading to that faucet is frozen.
• Frost on the Pipe: If you can see the pipe, look for visible frost on the outside.
• Strange Smells: A blocked frozen pipe can sometimes emit an odd smell from the drain.

The "Do's and Don'ts" of a Frozen Pipe
DO:

• Call a professional! This is always your safest bet. A professional plumber has the right tools and knowledge to thaw your pipes safely and check for potential damage.
• Locate the Main Water Shut-Off Valve: If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water supply is your first line of defense to minimize damage. Every homeowner should know where this is.
• Open the Faucet: If you can locate the frozen section of the pipe, open the corresponding faucet. This will help relieve pressure and allow water to flow out as the pipe thaws.

DON'T:

• Never Use an Open Flame: This is extremely dangerous and can cause a fire. The last thing you want to do is trade a plumbing problem for a fire problem.
• Don't Use a High-Heat Device: Using a blow torch or a high-heat gun can cause the water to boil, creating even more pressure and leading to a rapid burst.
• Don't Ignore It: A frozen pipe is a ticking time bomb. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of it bursting.

At Tony's Plumbing & Heating, we're dedicated to keeping your home safe and warm all winter long. Don't wait for the first hard freeze to call us. We offer professional, fast, and friendly service to our Oakdale neighbors.

Your plumbing system is a complex network, and over time, a lot of things can get stuck in it. A common misconception is that a little soap or grease won't do any harm. But when these things mix with hair, food particles, and mineral buildup from hard water, they create a gooey, sticky mess that clings to the inside of your pipes. Think of it like a clogged artery in your home. Eventually, that buildup will restrict water flow, leading to:

• Slow Drains: The most obvious sign. If your sink, shower, or tub is taking forever to empty, it's a clear signal that something is in the way.
• Foul Odors: That rotten-egg smell coming from your sink? It's likely a buildup of decomposing gunk and bacteria in your pipes.
• Gurgling Sounds: A weird gurgling or bubbling sound when you use a sink or flush a toilet can mean air is trapped behind a blockage.
• Water Backups: This is the big one. When the clog becomes too dense, water has nowhere to go but back up into your home, potentially causing flooding and water damage.

At Tony's Plumbing, we specialize in professional drain cleaning that goes beyond what a store-bought liquid can do. Our expert technicians use state-of-the-art tools to clear even the toughest clogs, removing gunk, hair, grease, and other debris that have built up over time. We'll get your drains running like new and help prevent future blockages.
​
​Why choose Tony's for your drain cleaning?

• Fast and reliable service: We know a plumbing emergency can't wait. We'll get to you quickly to solve the problem.
• Preventative care: Our thorough cleaning helps stop clogs before they start.
• ​Experienced professionals: Our licensed plumbers have the skills and tools to handle any drain issue.

Don't wait for your slow drain to become a major plumbing disaster. Take control of your home's plumbing health today.
​
​Ready to get your drains flowing freely? Contact us to schedule a professional drain cleaning and experience the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained plumbing system.

The crisp air, changing leaves, and the return to routines all signal one thing: fall is officially here! While you're enjoying pumpkin spice and football, it's crucial to shift your focus to preparing your home for the colder months ahead. Your plumbing system, in particular, needs some attention to prevent costly and inconvenient issues that often arise with the first freeze.

We know that a little proactive maintenance in September can save you a lot of stress in January. Here's a quick guide to what you should be looking at right now to ensure your home's plumbing is ready for fall and winter.

1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
This is the most important—and easiest—step you can take right now. Leaving a garden hose attached to your outdoor spigot can be a recipe for disaster. Any water left in the hose or the pipe leading to it can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst. This can lead to a major leak inside your home's walls when the pipe thaws.

• The Fix: Simply disconnect all garden hoses and store them for the winter. Then, open the outdoor spigot to allow any remaining water to drain out.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
In our climate, exposed pipes in unheated areas are especially vulnerable to freezing. We're talking about pipes in your garage, crawl spaces, and even basements.

• The Fix: Take a walk around your home and identify any exposed pipes. You can easily insulate these yourself with foam pipe insulation available at any hardware store. If you have any concerns or need a professional to handle it, we're just a phone call away.

3. Inspect Your Water Heater
Your water heater works harder in the winter to keep up with the demand for hot showers, baths, and dishwashing. Now is a great time to ensure it's in peak condition.

• The Fix: Check for any leaks around the unit and listen for unusual noises, which could indicate a build-up of sediment. We highly recommend a professional tune-up, which includes flushing the tank, checking the anode rod, and ensuring all components are working correctly. This can significantly improve its efficiency and extend its life.

4. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
​While this might not sound like a plumbing issue, clogged gutters can lead to major plumbing problems. When water can't drain properly, it can pool around your home's foundation, potentially leading to basement flooding or damage to your main sewer line.

• The Fix: Clear your gutters of leaves and debris. A clean gutter system will ensure rainwater is directed away from your home's foundation, protecting your underground plumbing.

​Don't Wait for a Plumbing Emergency!
Waiting until a pipe bursts or your water heater fails is the most expensive way to deal with plumbing issues. Taking a little time in September to prepare can save you from a major headache (and bill) down the line.

We're here to help you get your home ready for the seasons ahead. Our experienced team can perform a comprehensive fall plumbing inspection and handle any repairs or maintenance you need.

As we head into fall, many homeowners are focused on preparing for the colder weather. While a lot of attention goes to furnace maintenance (and for good reason!), it's just as critical to give your home's plumbing system a thorough check. Minor, neglected issues can quickly become major, expensive emergencies when the temperature drops, and winter puts extra stress on your pipes. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way. Here are three essential plumbing checks you should perform this season:

​Inspect Your Water Heater

• Your water heater works overtime during the colder months. To ensure its functioning correctly and to maximize its lifespan, take a moment to look for any signs of trouble.  
• Inspect the base of the tank and the surrounding area for any puddles or rust stains. Even a tiny leak can indicate a failing tank or a faulty connection.  
• Listen for Strange Noises: Rumbling or popping sounds from your water heater could be a sign of sediment buildup. This buildup reduces efficiency and can lead to tank failure.  
• Test the Pressure Relief Valve: This is a safety component. If it's not functioning, it could result in dangerous pressure buildup. While you can test this yourself, it's often best left to a professional to avoid leaks or scalding injuries.

Clear Your Drains and Sump Pump

• ​A slow drain might be a minor inconvenience in the summer, but a serious clog in the winter can become a disaster. Clogs can lead to backups and, in freezing temperatures, can cause standing water in pipes to freeze and burst.  
• Kitchen & Bathroom Drains Use a natural cleaner or a drain snake to clear away hair and debris. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time.  
• Ensure your sump pump is clean and functioning correctly. Check that the float switch is moving freely and that the discharge pipe is clear of any debris. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, especially during a storm.

Locate and Test Your Main Water Shutoff Valve!

• If a pipe bursts, every second counts. Knowing exactly where your main water shutoff valve is and ensuring it works is essential.  
• The valve is typically located in your basement, near the water meter, or on an outside wall of your home. If you're having trouble finding it, we can help.  
• Now you will want to test it! Slowly turn the valve clockwise to ensure it can be completely shut off. If it's rusted, stuck, or difficult to turn, it's time to have a professional replace it. A valve that doesn’t function is as good as no valve at all in an emergency.

While these DIY checks are an excellent start, a comprehensive and professional inspection is the best way to make sure your plumbing systems are ready for the fall. Our experienced plumbers and technicians can identify hidden problems, perform necessary maintenance, and provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected. 

​Don’t wait for a burst pipe or a cold shower—contact Tony's Plumbing and Heating today to schedule your fall maintenance and get a head start on winter.