MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) State pollution control officials are warning consumers not to flush any paper products other than toilet paper.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the lack of availability of toilet paper in stores amid the COVID-19 outbreak is causing people to use alternative options.

That includes products like baby wipes or paper towels.

We are seeing people flushing things down the toilet that they shouldnt be, Hero Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling drains manager Chris Stevens said.

Flushing those products can cause a big problem for pipes, including clogs and even sewage coming back up into the home.

Stevens said plumbers are slammed with business right now as working parents and school age children are suddenly at home all day.

Everyone is just using whatever they have, they have no option, Stevens said.

Stevens said a sewage backup can cost a homeowner tens of thousands of dollars. The MPCA also said flushing products other than toilet paper can also cost a city money in repairs and harm the environment.

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Coronavirus In Minnesota: Plumbers In High Demand As Families Flush Paper Products Other Than Toilet Paper - CBS Minnesota

Advice from DFW plumbers during the COVID-19 crisis: stop flushing weird stuff down the toilet.

Because of our bizarre, virus-fueled run on toilet paper, many area residents are being forced to resort to alternative options. Kleenex. Wet wipes. Paper towels. Napkins. No reports yet of leaves or corn cobs, but were only in Day 5 of shelter in place, so stay tuned.

Reminder: There is no viable substitute for toilet paper.

Some of those things may be biodegradable, but they dont break down as well as toilet paper when immersed in water, says Berkeys Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical president Jamie Wooldridge.

Adds Baker Brothers president Jimmie Dale, Were getting about twice as many calls (for clogged toilets) as usual.

COVID-19s gnarly tentacles are presenting essential businesses with a variety of quandaries.

As temperatures flirt with 90 degrees Thursday, HVAC service repair experts are the first responders to air-conditioning units being kicked on for the first time after winter hibernation. Those service calls are being made to potentially dangerous environments contaminated with coronavirus.

Along with adhering to the CDCs guidelines of wearing protective masks/shields and gloves and remaining 6 feet apart during calls to homes and businesses, companies are taking extra measures to disinfect equipment between jobs and implement touchless transactions.

When possible, were having customers simply read us the credit card number, Wooldridge says. Instead of passing the card back and forth between hands.

Wooldridge says that if a customer tells Berkeys that theyre under quarantine or exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19, theyre asked to reschedule. Still, even without warning there is risk upon entering homes or businesses and touching multiple shared spaces with strangers.

The fact is that the techs cannot only become infected, but also spread it to other places and other people, Dale says. Thats the part that really scares them and scares us. Thats why were being extra cautious and vigilant.

Not surprisingly in light of the airborne virus there is also an uptick in inquiries regarding air purification systems.

Industry experts tout the Captura HEPA, which is advertised to trap viruses, germs, bacteria and allergens with a 99.7% efficiency, and the REME HALO, which claims to successfully defend staph (MRSA), SARS and E. coli by eliminating sneeze germs up to 3 feet.

Neither system has been tested specifically against COVID-19.

But we havent come across anything that it cant handle, says Rene Luna, a representative of The Partners Group HVAC, which distributes to a four-state area including Texas. We represent 16 other products, but this is the one people are asking for.

Luna says demand for HALOs has risen one thousand percent in the last two weeks.

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Plumbers and HVAC Repair People Also on Coronavirus Front Lines - Dallas Observer

Sponsored - The following content is created on behalf of Keith McNeil Plumbing and does not reflect the opinions of Gray Television or its editorial staff. To learn more about Keith McNeil Plumbing, visit Keith McNeil Plumbing.

Are you considering switching to natural gas appliances in your home? Your first call should be to a qualified plumber. Dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, ovens, stove tops, furnaces and more home appliances can all be powered by natural gas. To get that gas from the curb to your home, youll need a professional plumber. McNeill plumbing is your local expert in gas installation.

Powering your home with natural gas has several advantages. Primarily, gas is almost always more cost effective to use than electricity. There are usually less emissions involved when using natural gas as opposed to using electricity. Natural gas is also much more reliable than electricity. Natural gas outages are extremely rare, especially when compared to the frequency of electrical outages.

Today, more than ever, as we become more conscious of rising costs, energy use, and the environment, it really is time to consider converting to a tankless water heater. These systems not only have a positive effect regarding these issues; they feature systems designed to fit your specific needs. The advantages to owning a tankless water heater include:

Unlimited supply of hot waterSince a tankless water heater system works on demand, you have hot water when you want it and for as long as you want it.

Space efficientThe tankless water heater is much smaller than a water tank. This is especially beneficial if you are living in a condo or smaller home where extra space is always beneficial.

Water is clean and fresh A water tank stores water. This can lead to corrosion, rusting, and scale build-up in the tanks interior. This stored water is what you are using when you bathe, wash dishes, do laundry, and so on. End result the water you use is less than fresh.

Energy efficientThe system only runs when hot water is being used. When you turn off the hot water the unit turns off. Consequently energy is not being used energy when its not needed.

Savings on energy billsIf you currently have a tank water heater, a large percentage of your energy bill results directly from it. A tankless water heater can save you up to 40% on your water-heating bill. Remember, the system turns on only when there is a need (i.e., someone turns on the hot water faucet).

Longer lastingCompared to conventional water tanks, tankless water heaters last twice as long. A tankless system has an average life expectancy of 20 years.

Keith McNeil Plumbing. is ready to help make your transition to natural gas and a tankless water heater easy and painless. Our expert technicians will do the job right the first time, and have you saving money in no time.

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Save Money at Home With Natural Gas and Tankless Water Heaters - WCTV

Plumbing contractors, general contractors, and plumbers whose businesses and services have closedby the COVID-19 pandemiccan receive online technical training in the use of tankless water heaters and boilers.

Navien, a manufacturer of water-heating equipment for residential and commercial construction projects, is offering live and on-demand digital trainings via webinar.

Live trainings are real-time virtual training sessions hosted by one of the Navien product trainers. Plumbing and construction professionals can view the training as it is presented, ask questions of the presenter, and receive real time feedback.

Prerecorded on-demand webinars may be viewed at the attendee'sconvenience. Contact information for the presenter will be provided so that attendees can ask questions via email.

Training sessions coveringthetechnical aspects of condensing tankless water heaters, non-condensing tankless water heaters, fire tube boilers, and fire tube boilers combi-boilers are available live or on demand.

To register, go to:https://training.navieninc.com/virtual_classes.php

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Online technical training sessions on tankless water heaters and boilers - Building Design + Construction

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Minneapolis (WCCO) State pollution control officials are warning consumers not to flush any paper products other than toilet paper.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the lack of availability of toilet paper in stores amid the COVID-19 outbreak is causing people to use alternative options.

That includes products like baby wipes or paper towels.

We are seeing people flushing things down the toilet that they shouldnt be, Hero Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling drains manager Chris Stevens said.

Flushing those products can cause a big problem for pipes, including clogs and even sewage coming back up into the home.

Stevens said plumbers are slammed with business right now as working parents and school age children are suddenly at home all day.

Everyone is just using whatever they have, they have no option, Stevens said.

Stevens said a sewage backup can cost a homeowner tens of thousands of dollars. The MPCA also said flushing products other than toilet paper can also cost a city money in repairs and harm the environment.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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Plumbers in high demand as families flush paper products other than toilet paper - KTVZ

Carlene Cox, for APP Marketplace Published 5:09 p.m. ET March 9, 2020 | Updated 3:24 p.m. ET March 10, 2020

Find a trusted local pro at APP homeservices.(Photo: Getty Images)

Maybe your husband has watched a few too many home improvement TV shows. Maybe your wife has scoured online DIY videos. But when it comes to your homes plumbing, a seemingly straightforward project can quickly become a gushing problem.

Debating whether to tackle that task yourself, or hire a local professional? Heres a quick guide to help make that decision.

The task at hand: Installing new hardware

If youre looking to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen on a budget, a new faucet can transform a space, without costing much. Removing old hardware and installing new is a relatively simple process, and the tools you need are pretty basic as well you probably already have all the ones youll need.

Verdict: DIY

The task at hand: Replacing a toilet

Youve upgraded your bathroom faucet how about taking it a step further and switching out the rooms most important porcelain feature? With the water lines already in place, it might not seem like a tough job. But plenty of pitfalls await. Setting a toilet can be a tricky maneuver, and if youre not careful, you can over tighten your water connections and cause leaks.

Verdict:Find a trusted localpro

The task at hand: A clogged drain

Theres a reason some professionals call liquid drain cleaners a plumbers best friend. Many solutions can actually damage your pipes, leading to expensive repairs needing professional attention. But fixing a clogged drain doesnt have to involve harmful chemicals. If youve already tried baking soda and vinegar to no avail, there are plenty of inexpensive tools thatll have your sink draining fast in no time.

Verdict: DIY

The task at hand: Leaking pipes

Finally, the long winter is coming to a close. But sometimes the welcome warm weather brings with it leaks, as pipes tend to contract or fill with frozen water during the colder months. You might think replacing a pipe or two isnt a daunting task, but the potential for water damage could far exceed what youd save by trying this fix yourself.

Verdict:Find a trusted localpro

The task at hand: Installing a new dishwasher

If you already have a dishwasher in your kitchen, installing a new one yourself would seem to make sense. After all, the hookup is already there. But dishwashers use both electricity and water a potentially dangerous combination.

Verdict:Find a trusted localpro

Whether its a dripping faucet, clogged drain, leaking pipe or low water pressure, sometimes its worth the peace of mind knowing the problem will be solved quickly and professionally.

To make sure the jobs done right (and to avoid another trip to the hardware store) contact a top-rated local plumbing professional for your next project by visiting APP's new homeservices site, a trusted place to find the best home services providers in the Jersey Shore area.

Read or Share this story: https://www.app.com/story/life/2020/03/09/plumbing-problem-when-diy-hire-pro/5003558002/

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Plumbing problem? When to DIY or hire a pro - Asbury Park Press

Plumbing issues are bound to arise in any home time and again. Certain practices will help you maintain the condition of your plumbing system, but repairs are inevitable in the long run. Phoenix plumbing companies and others across the world provide services that cater to the needs of every home. In some cases, you might not be able to get your plumbing company to come in on time to salvage the situation in your house, forcing you to seek an emergency plumber. In such circumstances, you do not have the luxury of time to vet your replacement plumber. You need not worry; here are some tips to help you pick the best plumber in the nick of time:

The plumber you choose for an urgent repair must be available immediately to help you out of the plumbing mess that you may be in. The first thing that you ought to know is if the plumber will be able to get to your house or business within the timeframe that you need the repair done. The communication channels provided by the plumber you are interested in must be readily available, and he/she should be able to communicate on time and have an explicit schedule. This will make it easy for you to get the work done on time with minimal hassle. Plumbers who are available around the clock may be suitable for your needs as opposed to those who only work during the day.

This is an essential element that should be among the first things considered. It is possible to gauge the plumbers level of professionalism from the first interaction. As noted above, communication must be top-notch, consistent, and proficient. If the plumber cannot communicate like a pro, then it is an indicator that their work may not be what you are looking for. Engage plumbers who are professionals from the first interaction. If it is a plumbing company, the customer support or whoever you get to speak to first is a reflection of the companys work ethic, and this should guide you on whether to use them for the repair or not.

Emergency services tend to cost more even in other sectors, and the same principle applies here as well. The rates may be higher than what you would have paid to schedule a plumbing appointment for your home. It is wise to ask for a quotation after engaging the plumber on the fixing you need. Compare different quotes and pick one who is within your plumbing budget. In certain circumstances, you may not have the liberty to make this choice since the situation in your residence or business will dictate the plumber you get. Always ask about the cashier options they have and if your insurance company can cover the cost of repair or not.

An emergency plumber should be able to get to your home within the shortest time possible. This, therefore, means that you must seek the services of one who operates within your locality. Other than getting to your home fast, being close to the plumbers will help reduce charges since call out fees and others that may be related to accessing your area will be eliminated if you choose to work with the neighborhood plumber.

For such scenarios, it is always advisable that you work with a renowned company to ensure that you get legit services. The security of your home may also be compromised if you work with a plumber with no physical store.

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Things to bear in mind when hiring an emergency plumber - AZ Big Media

Are you in need of reliable Alexandria plumber to quickly solve your plumbing problems at an affordable price? You can put your trust in PLUMBINGPROSDMV.com. When you invite our veteran owned company to repair the plumbing in your Alexandria home or business, we guarantee that you will receive superior craftsmanship, the highest level of customer service, and a customer service experience unrivaled by other Alexandria plumbing companies in the area.

Plumbing is one of the most important aspects of any home. Showers, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers all require your home to be equipped with plumbing that is reliable and working. When your plumbing system needs any type of repair or replacement, its essential to find the experts who can do the job right, the first time. Alexandria Plumbing Pros is Alexandria premier plumbing service provider, and we take immense pride in providing the best in plumbing services. If your property has endured any type of plumbing trouble, contact us today. A member of our team will be happy to assist you in providing more information about our services and scheduling repair times.

No matter how simple or severe your plumbing issue, you can trust in our expertly trained technicians to listen closely to your concerns and perform a fast, effective plumbing repair or installation.

We understand picking a plumber you can trust can be a daunting task, especially in the panic of an emergency. We want to help make your decision a confident one. We believe there are 4 important characteristics to look for when hiring a trustworthy plumber, and are the foundation of building a great home pro relationship: Experience, Knowledge, Reliability, Reputation.

We call before we arrive, we provide honest and upfront estimates before any work is done, and we take care of your home by using shoe covers and drop cloths as needed. You will not be able to find plumbing services elsewhere in Alexandria that are as friendly, speedy, and professional as ours!

No matter the size of the plumbing project, youll get the highest quality plumbing service, from upgrading your hot water supply to a tankless water, to remodeling your master bathroom, or a whole house plumbing line replacement. Well ensure that your residential or commercial plumbing project is handled smoothly and expertly.

Exceeding your expectations is our #1 goal. In fact, we want you to feel so satisfied that you would call on us again, and trust us to service your family, friends, and colleagues. We like to be easy to work with. Never a hard sell. Just straight forwardplumbing repairs, done right, at the best value.

Our professional Alexandria plumbers will treat you, and your home or business with respect. We pride ourselves on providing quality repairs using the best materials. Ourreviews speak volumes on our plumbers attention to detail and level of customer service. Take a minute and see for yourself why we are a top-rated Alexandria plumbing company. See our reviews online. We look forward to welcoming you to our plumbing familyand being your preferred Alexandria, Virginia plumber.

We have experience in every major type of plumbing repair service.Plumbing services that Alexandria Plumbing Pros offers include:

Alexandria plumbing contractors are your professional, affordable plumbing repair solution. Just call (855) 999-7105 to schedule service.

Media ContactCompany Name: Alexandria Plumbing Pro ServicesContact Person: Christopher PearsonEmail: Send EmailPhone: +1 (855) 999-7105Address:1737 King St #210 City: AlexandriaState: VACountry: United StatesWebsite: https://plumbingprosdmv.com/alexandria.html

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Alexandria Plumbing Pros are one of the best plumbing companies in Alexandria, Virginia - Press Release - Digital Journal

At 38, Eli Wilson has been a plumber half his life.

And hes been a business owner for four months.

In November, Wilson launched Total Plumbing and got busy in a hurry.

We hit the ground running, he said last week. Weve been working eight, 10, 12 hours a day. I never expected it to grow this fast. There are three of us now, but I plan on hiring two more plumbers and two laborers.

Wilson said, Just being honest and fair and having good customer service will get you a lot of good word of mouth.

He said, My brother started Total Plumbing in Denver. He invited me to come out there and work with him to see if I liked it. I really liked the work and the money.

When he moved back to Owensboro, Wilson said, I worked for a large commercial plumbing company for 16 years.

But Im a single parent, he said. And I have a 13-year-old daughter and I wanted to spend more time with her. I was getting up at 5 a.m to go to work and not getting home until 5:30 or 6 p.m. My mother had to come to my house at 5:10 a.m. to help get my daughter off to school and then she had to go to her own job. I couldnt keep asking her to do that.

Another factor in starting his own business, Wilson said, was Kentucky got rid of the prevailing wage. I went from making $35 an hour to making $23 an hour when that happened. Then, the work exploded because the labor was cheaper. We did school after school after school.

He said, I wanted to make more money and I wanted to pick my kid up from school. So, on Nov. 4 or 5, I went into business for myself.

Theres a shortage of licensed plumbers today, he said.

There arent too many kids getting into it, Wilson said. Theyre going out and borrowing thousands of dollars to go to college. Theres a huge demand for tradesmen. The average age of plumbers in Texas is 58. In Kentucky, its been 54 to 56. Think what its going to be like in 10 years.

Total Plumbing, named in honor of his brothers Denver company, has landed several real estate companies as clients.

And Wilson is busy getting the Brew Bridge Brewery at 800 W. Second St. ready to open.

Hes installing a manufactured floor drain system and a new gas line in the kitchen.

The floor drain system, which Wilson said he designed, keeps him from having to individually vent each trench drain from the tanks.

That saves the customer a lot of money in labor, he said.

Kentucky, Florida and New York have the toughest plumbing codes in the country, Wilson said.

Its hard to find a good licensed plumber, he said. But we have a good plumbing community here. If I cant get to a customer, I ask someone else to handle it for me and they do the same for me.

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Plumb Busy: Total Plumbing hit the ground running - messenger-inquirer

Talk about a company making a difference. Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has stepped up for their annual contest that will help make your non-profit almost $20,000!

You have until this Thursday, March 12, 2020!

Here is how you enter:Just go to Cellino Plumbing nominate your organization. There will be a Truck Wrap link on right on the home page that will link to all the details.

Call your friends, family, volunteers, social media following, and all your supporters in the community to help.

- 64 organizations with MOST VOTES will advance into the 2020 Truck Wrap Bracket.

They will be dividing nominations into 4 categories, based on their areas of focus.o Health & Wellnesso Animal Rescueso Community Improvemento & Miscellaneous, which includes any organizations supporting the arts, environment, education, etc.

All winners will be determined by WNY Votes, so get out there and support your organization!

Cellino Plumbing Heating and Cooling will meet with the Top 2 organizations, and decide on our 2020 winner!They will receive a custom designed Cellino Plumbing truck, wrapped with their logo, and their mission statement all over Western New York, as part of the Cellino Plumbing fleet.

AND the winning organization will get 5% of that trucks annual revenue for a whole year$20k - $30k in annual donations!

Remember, this contest is open to all Western New York non profit organizations! Get tocellinoplumbing.com/truckwrapfor everything you need to know about the 2020 Truck Wrap Contest!

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Win Over $20000 For Your WNY Non-Profit From Cellino Plumbing & HVAC - wyrk.com