“Water emergencies can occur when there is a sudden split in a pipe, a water heater bursts, a toilet tank cracks or a washing machine hose breaks,” says Jeff Kuhn, owner of SNK Pump & Plumbing and a member of PPC. “If you don’t know where the main water shut-off valve is, you can have a real mess.”

Locating the shut-off valve depends on whether a residence is hooked up to city water or well water. If the city supplies water to a home, the valve can be found just above the meter where the pipe comes into the house. Well water users need to locate where the pipe from the well comes into the house and connects to the water pressure tank. The main water shut-off valve can be found on the other side of the tank where the water flows out to other pipes in the house.

Homeowners can request a free valve tag on the PPC website.

Senior Bathroom Updates from Platypus Advertising + Design on Vimeo.

1. Water Pipes that Run Along an Outside Wall. Bathroom vanities often have water pipes that run along an outside wall to the home. To prevent pipes from freezing in the event of a prolonged winter deep freeze, open the vanity doors to let the room air mix with the cold air along the outside wall. You can also also use a blow dryer to warm up the wall, however don’t use a torch.

2. Frozen Pipes. Opening a faucet so that there is a tiny steady drip can keep pipes from freezing, however if the pipe remains frozen for a prolonged length of time (one day or longer), call a Wisconsin plumber. Frozen pipes can burst and cause leakage.

3. Frozen Drains. There are chemicals available through Wisconsin plumbers or area hardware stores that will clear and thaw frozen drains. Again, if the drain remains frozen for one day or longer, call a Wisconsin plumber. This can also result in frozen pipes that burst and cause leakage.

4. Inadequate Flushing Toilets. When toilets flush poorly or pipes drain slowly, it may be a sign that there is a blocked vent pipe on the roof. You need to get on the roof to clear any excessive snow in and around the main vent pipe.

Got more questions? You’ll find Wisconsin plumbing professionals all in one place in our contractor search directory.

Don’t get yourself in a jam this Thanksgiving. Scott Allan, from Gene Wagner Plumbing in West Allis, takes you through steps to unjam the garbage disposal.

1) Not setting a realistic budget for the project and once the budget is set, not staying within the budget.

2) Not taking into account how your family functions and your lifestyles to make them work with the new kitchen design.

3) Not designing within the architecture or the value of your home. Never over build for your area and do not go too trendy.

4) Trying to do the kitchen remodel yourself. If you are not skilled in the area, it can actually cost you more money.

5) Forgetting about storage needs in a kitchen.

6) Not doing any research or planning prior to starting the project. A little planning can save time and money.

7) Not making appropriate choices regarding appliances. Think about how you cook and what makes the most sense. If you over-customize your appliances, what will happen when they need to be replaced?

8) Not considering the lighting. Poor lighting in a kitchen is terrible and can make a kitchen not function properly

9) Cheaping out on the big ticket items, including the cabinets and the floors. It is unlikely you will ever go back and replace them. However you could go back someday and get new appliances, counter tops and light fixtures.

10) Not selecting good contractors. If they are not bonded and insured, they could make a bigger mess out of your kitchen. Always check their references

• Are you licensed and insured? This is important because in Wisconsin, a “plumber” is someone who has completed an apprenticeship– which includes five years of classroom study and on-the-job training—and has passed a State licensing exam. State law requires plumbers to carry their plumbing license with them. For your protection, ask to see it!

• Do you offer a warranty program? The work of PPC members is automatically backed with a free, 5-year limited warranty.

• What are your service hours for regular and emergency calls? How quickly do you respond to callbacks?

• How long have you been in business and what is the size of your service force?

• What kinds of fixtures and faucets do you supply? Do you have an on-site showroom or access to a showroom for the fixtures you install?

• What kind of water distribution piping do you use…copper, CPVC or PEX? While we are not advocating any sides, some plumbers said they like PEX piping because it’s quieter and more resistant to freezing. Others believe a combination of piping is good, using PEX in the walls and CPVC in basements.

• How familiar are you with green plumbing techniques, such as water preservation, energy saving fixtures and tank-less water heaters?

These are just the basics. You may have many other questions about installing things like shower and water treatment systems, back up sump pumps and water softeners, but hopefully this gets the conversation going.

Any questions?

Fixing Leaky Plumbing from Platypus Advertising + Design on Vimeo.

“Water emergencies can occur when there is a sudden split in a pipe, a water heater bursts, a toilet tank cracks or a washing machine hose breaks,” says Jeff Kuhn, owner of SNK Pump & Plumbing. “If you don’t know where the main water shut-off valve is, you can have a real mess.”

Locating the shut-off valve depends on whether a residence is hooked up to city water or well water. If the city supplies water to a home, the valve can be found just above the meter where the pipe comes into the house. Well water users need to locate where the pipe from the well comes into the house and connects to the water pressure tank. The main water shut-off valve can be found on the other side of the tank where the water flows out to other pipes in the house.

PPC recommends homeowners shut off the valve when they go away for long weekends or extended vacations because while water emergencies are unpredictable, unnecessary flooding can be prevented.

PPC also advises parents to show their family members and even babysitters where the shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency. The laminated valve tag, which attaches to the shut-off valve with a reinforced zip tie, makes it easy to find the valve even when individuals are not familiar with the house. Homeowners can request a free valve tag on the PPC website.

Tubs and bathroom sinks typically clog because hair and soap builds up in the drains. In both cases, remove the stopper in the sink and tub, and use the snake to loosen grime and hair.

A clogged kitchen sink is typically caused by a jammed garbage disposal. Most disposals come with an Allen wrench, the funny looking metal pipe that looks a bit like the letter Z. Under the sink at the bottom of the disposal, there is a small opening for the Allen wrench. Place one end of the wrench inside the opening and turn the wrench clockwise and counter clockwise until the wrench spins freely. If the disposal is clear and the sink is still clogged, try removing the trap in the sink drain and use the snake to loosen any clog.

The snake can be used to unplug clogs in laundry tubs as well. In fact, a snake can take care of most clogs, so if it doesn’t work, you really need to call a plumber. The same can be said for floor drains. You could rent a sewer machine, however, if the end of the snake catches on something in your pipes, it will stop turning and can be seriously dangerous to remove yourself.