Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Plumbing System

North Dakota winters bring more than just cold temperatures, they put added stress on your home’s plumbing system, especially your sump pump. One of the most common winter plumbing issues homeowners face is a frozen sump pump discharge line, which can lead to backups, water damage, and even basement flooding if not addressed properly. At NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, we help homeowners across the Fargo–Moorhead area prepare their sump pump systems for winter before problems start, saving time, stress, and costly repairs. What Your Sump Pump Does, and Why Winter Matters? Your sump pump plays a critical role in protecting your home from water damage. Installed in a pit at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space, it automatically activates when groundwater levels rise, pumping excess water away from your foundation. During warmer months, this process is usually straightforward. In winter, however, freezing temperatures introduce a new risk: the discharge line that carries water outside your home can freeze solid. When water can’t exit properly, it has nowhere to go, and that’s when problems begin. Why Sump Pump Problems Are More Common in Winter? Winter sump pump failures aren’t always caused by a broken pump. In many cases, the issue lies with frozen or blocked discharge lines. Common winter-related sump pump problems include: • Frozen discharge pipes • Water backing up into the sump pit • Pumps running constantly or burning out • Ice buildup near the foundation • Basement dampness or flooding Mid-winter thaws can make these issues even worse. Snow and ice begin to melt while exterior pipes remain frozen, creating sudden surges of water with no clear exit path. What Is a Sump Pump Bypass System? A sump pump bypass system is a winter-protection solution designed to keep water moving when the main discharge line freezes or becomes blocked. Installed along your existing discharge line, a bypass system provides an alternate route for water to safely exit the system when pressure builds. Instead of forcing water back into the sump pit or overworking the pump, the bypass redirects water before damage can occur. How a Sump Pump Bypass System Works? When the main discharge line is flowing normally, the bypass remains inactive. But if freezing temperatures block the line, pressure increases inside the pipe. At that point, the bypass system: • Automatically redirects water through an alternate exit • Relieves pressure in the discharge line • Prevents backups and overflow • Reduces strain on the sump pump This is especially important during extended cold spells or rapid thaw periods, two conditions that are very common in North Dakota winters. Winter Problems a Bypass System Helps Prevent? Without a bypass system in place, a frozen discharge line can lead to serious issues, including: • Basement flooding • Pump burnout from constant cycling • Cracked or damaged pipes caused by ice expansion • Hidden moisture damage behind walls or flooring A bypass system acts as a safety valve, protecting both your sump pump and your home during extreme winter conditions. Why Bypass Systems Are Especially Helpful for Older Homes? Many older homes in the Fargo–Moorhead area were built with sump pump systems that weren’t designed for long periods of deep freeze. Discharge lines may be: • Poorly sloped • Too close to the foundation • Exposed to outdoor temperatures • Lacking insulation or freeze protection In these cases, adding a bypass system is often a cost-effective alternative to reworking the entire discharge setup, and can significantly reduce the risk of winter failures. Sump Pump Bypass Systems vs. Battery Backup Pumps: What’s the Difference? Homeowners often ask whether a battery backup sump pump is enough to protect their home in winter. While battery backups are important, they solve a different problem than bypass systems. Battery Backup Sump Pumps A battery backup sump pump keeps your system running during a power outage. When electricity goes out, often during storms, the backup pump activates and continues removing water from the sump pit. Battery backups are ideal for: • Storm-related power outages • Primary pump failure • Added peace of mind during heavy rain or snowmelt However, battery backups still rely on the same discharge line to move water outside. Sump Pump Bypass Systems: A bypass system protects your home when the discharge line freezes or becomes blocked, one of the most common winter issues in North Dakota. If the discharge line freezes: • A battery backup pump can still run • But water may have nowhere to go A bypass system solves this by: • Providing an alternate exit for water • Preventing pressure buildup • Reducing the risk of basement flooding • Protecting the sump pump from overworking In short, battery backups protect against power loss, while bypass systems protect against frozen discharge lines. Do You Need One — or Both? For many North Dakota homes, the best protection comes from layered solutions: • A battery backup keeps your sump pump running during outages • A bypass system ensures water can still exit when pipes freeze Together, they provide dependable protection against two of the biggest winter threats: freezing temperatures and power loss. Signs Your Sump Pump May Need a Winter Upgrade: If you notice any of the following, it may be time for a professional inspection: • Ice forming on or near the discharge pipe • Frequent sump pump cycling • Unusual noises coming from the pump • Damp basement floors or musty odors Catching these signs early can help prevent emergency repairs later in the season. Get Expert Sump Pump Support from NorthStar Whether winter is just around the corner or already here, having a properly functioning sump pump system is critical for protecting your home from water damage. Cold temperatures, frozen discharge lines, and mid-winter thaws can all put added strain on your system. NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers: • Professional sump pump inspections • Bypass system installation for winter protection • Battery backup solutions • Upfront, guaranteed pricing • 24/7 emergency service Serving Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead, NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning provides reliable sump pump solutions designed for North Dakota winte

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drain cleaning is one of the most overlooked, but most important, maintenance services a homeowner can invest in.

Garbage Disposal Myth-Busting: What It Really Can Handle (And When It’s Time to Call NorthStar) By NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. Serving Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead & surrounding areas. Your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal is a handy appliance when used properly. But there are a lot of myths floating around about what you can (and can’t) toss down, what weird sounds mean, and when you should consider replacing the unit altogether. In this post we’ll clear things up so you can get the most life out of your disposal and know when it’s time to call in the experts at NorthStar. What Your Garbage Disposal Can Handle: Myth to bust: “If I scrape everything into the sink, my disposal will take it.” Reality: You can put many food scraps in there, but you still must be selective. Overloading, tossing in hard/indigestible items, or ignoring proper use will shorten the lifespan and increase the risk of clogs. It’s easy to assume that your disposal can eat just about anything left on your plate. The truth: modern units are quite capable but they’re not invincible. Here are some guidelines: • Soft or liquid food wastes are generally fine. According to home-appliance experts, if you can chew it, your disposal likely can handle it (assuming you use cold water and run the unit properly). • Occasional use of ice or citrus rinds helps clean and refresh the disposal. • Chop up larger pieces of food waste before feeding into the disposal. This reduces strain on the motor and blades. • Consistent use + good maintenance = longer life for the unit. What Your Garbage Disposal Cannot / Should Not Handle: Here’s where many problems start. When you feed your disposal things it wasn’t designed to handle or neglect proper usage, you set yourself up for troubles like jams, clogs, or motor burnout. Here are usual culprits: • Grease, fats, oils: These may go down when hot, but cool and solidify in the pipe or disposal, building up over time. • Fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery strings, onion skins, artichokes) the fibers wrap around the blades or impellers and impair function. • Egg shells, large pits/fruit seeds, large bones: Hard items may damage the blades or simply not grind down properly, leading to blockages. • Pasta/rice in large quantities: They may expand, swell or create sludge after being partly ground. • Non-food items (metal, plastic, glass), too much at once, or items that should go in the trash or compost. • Overloading the unit or expecting it to handle major cleanup of the day in one go. Tip from NorthStar: Before running your disposal, turn on cold water, feed food gradually, run the disposal for a short time, then flush with cold water for ~20-30 seconds afterward. This helps wash away remaining particles and keeps the drain flowing. Odd Sounds & Other Warning Signs: When Something’s Wrong Your disposal should operate with a certain background of hum when running, but when the sounds change, that’s a red flag. Here are signs to listen for: • Humming or whirring without grinding: The motor is powered, but the blades or impellers may be jammed or stuck. • Rattling or loud grinding/clanking: A foreign object (cutlery, bone fragment) may be loose inside, or internal components are loosening/damaged. • Squealing or high-pitched noise: Possibly a failing motor or misaligned flywheel. • Slow drainage: The disposal may grind, but the sink is slow to clear could indicate wear or partial blockage. • Persistent odors: If your disposal smells even after cleaning, food may be trapped inside, or the unit is deteriorating. If you hear or observe any of these signs, it’s wise to stop using the disposal and give NorthStar a call before the issue escalates into a full blockage or leak. When Should You Replace Your Garbage Disposal? While a well-cared for disposal can last many years, it won’t last forever. Here’s when replacement becomes a better option over repeated repairs: • The unit is 10+ years old (typical lifespan is around 8-15 years) and starting to show multiple issues. • You’re resetting the unit often, or it simply won’t turn on. • Leaks under the sink from the disposal unit itself (not just from a pipe connection) sealing/gasket damage means risk of water damage. • Multiple warning signs from above (odd noises + slow drain + smells) happening together. • The cost of repeated repairs is approaching the cost of a new unit. Bottom line: If you’ve been careful and still facing recurring problems, replacing the disposal may save $$$ in the long run and avoid kitchen catastrophes. NorthStar’s Tips & Best Practices for Life-Long Disposal Health Here are some practical pointers from NorthStar Plumbing to keep your disposal and sink running smoothly: • Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Cold water keeps fats from liquefying and then solidifying further down the drain. • Feed waste gradually, don’t dump a whole plateful of heavy scraps in at once. • Avoid the "everything gets dumped in the sink" mindset. Scrape off large bones, shells, fibrous veggie parts into the trash or compost first. • Use the disposal regularly, even if just for small scraps, to keep the mechanisms moving. • Clean your disposal monthly: a few ice cubes + a bit of citrus rind can help clean the unit and refresh the smell. • If you hear noise changes, or the sink is draining slow, don’t “wait it out”, catch issues early. • And of course: If you’re unsure, or something doesn’t feel right, call NorthStar for an inspection or service. Our licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers serving Fargo / West Fargo / Moorhead are ready to handle the job. Need Help? NorthStar’s Here for You Your garbage disposal is a great kitchen tool, but only if treated right. By understanding what it can and cannot handle, listening for warning signs (especially odd noises), and knowing when to call for professional help or consider a replacement, you’ll avoid messy, expensive problems. If your kitchen disposal has been acting up lately, such as strange sounds, slow draining or weird smells, don’t wait until it’s a full-blown leak or clog. Reach out to NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. We provide up-front guaranteed pricing, 24/7 emergency services, and a team that knows the Fargo-Moorhead area inside out. Call us today at (701) 367-9592 or request a service online to inspect your disposal and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

As the crisp October air settles in and the leaves start to turn, it’s the perfect time for homeowners in Fargo, ND, West Fargo, ND, Moorhead, MN, and nearby communities to cozy up their homes with a remodeling project. Whether you’re dreaming of a warm, inviting kitchen, a spa-like bathroom retreat, or a finished basement with a wet bar ready for autumn gatherings, North Star Plumbing is your trusted local partner to bring those dreams to life. Why October Is the Perfect Month to Remodel with North Star Plumbing Choosing the right season for your remodeling project can make a significant difference in both the process and outcome. October offers several advantages for homeowners planning upgrades in the Fargo-Moorhead area. With milder temperatures and fewer extreme weather disruptions compared to winter, contractors can work more efficiently and on schedule. Additionally, starting your remodel in October allows you to complete projects before the busy holiday season, ensuring your home is ready for family gatherings and celebrations. Planning your remodel during this period can also help you avoid the summer rush, giving you access to better scheduling flexibility and more attentive service from professionals like North Star Plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling: Warm Up Your Home This Fall The kitchen is the heart of your home, especially as temperatures drop and family and friends gather over home-cooked meals. Let us help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional — whether you’re in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, or the surrounding area. • Install a new sink or faucet perfect for those hearty fall meals and cozy evenings. • Prepare plumbing for new appliances like instant hot water taps — ideal for a quick cup of cider or tea on a chilly day. • Reconfigure your kitchen plumbing to optimize your layout just in time for holiday cooking and entertaining. Bathroom Remodeling: Create a Relaxing Retreat from the Fall Chill As the nights get longer and cooler, your bathroom can become a sanctuary where you unwind and refresh. Homeowners across the Fargo-Moorhead region trust North Star Plumbing for: • Luxury showers and soaking tubs equipped with rainfall showerheads or thermostatic controls to keep you warm and relaxed. • Water-saving fixtures to keep your utility bills in check during the heating season. • Add a stylish vanity or wet bar plumbing to elevate your space and convenience. Basement Finishing: Host Cozy Fall Gatherings with a Custom Wet Bar Finishing your basement is a smart way to add living space just in time for fall entertaining. A wet bar is perfect for serving seasonal drinks — think mulled wine, spiced cider, or your favorite craft beers. • Expert wet bar plumbing installation tailored for your space and style throughout Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and neighboring communities. • Full plumbing setups for basement bathrooms or kitchenettes to make your gatherings seamless. • Safe and code-compliant installations so you can focus on making memories, not worries. No rth Star Plumbing’s Fall Remodeling Tips for Fargo-Moorhead Homeowners Planning a successful remodeling project requires careful consideration, especially during the fall season. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind: • Begin your plumbing plans early: Early planning helps avoid last-minute complications and ensures your remodel stays on schedule, especially with the upcoming holiday season. • Select energy-efficient fixtures: Choosing durable, water-saving fixtures not only helps reduce utility bills but also supports sustainability, which is particularly important as heating demands increase in colder months. • Schedule your project ahead of winter: Starting your remodel in the fall allows ample time to complete work before winter weather can cause delays, ensuring your home is comfortable and functional during the colder season. By following these guidelines, homeowners in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and nearby communities can enjoy a smoother remodeling experience with long-lasting results. Ready to fall in love with your home all over again? Contact North Star Plumbing, proudly serving Fargo, ND; West Fargo, ND; Moorhead, MN; and the surrounding areas, to discuss your remodeling ideas — and let us help bring warmth, style, and function to your kitchen, bathroom, or basement before the holidays arrive.

The crisp days of September are here. With them brings the perfect time to check in on one of your home’s unsung heroes: your sump pump. As Fargo–Moorhead heads into wetter fall weather (and the occasional surprise snow), your sump pump plays a vital role in keeping your basement dry and your home protected from costly water damage. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new to the Red River Valley, these 7 fall sump pump tips will help you stay one step ahead of the season. 1. Test Your Pump Now, Before You Need It The easiest way to make sure your sump pump is ready? Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. • The pump should activate within seconds. • Make sure the discharge water is flowing away from your foundation, ideally at least 20 feet. If nothing happens or the pump runs sluggishly, it’s time to have it checked. 2. Clean Out the Basin & Check the Float Switch Leaves, silt, and debris can block your pump or stop the float switch from moving freely. • Scoop out any buildup from the basin. • Gently lift and release the float to confirm it triggers the pump. A stuck float is one of the most common causes of pump failure, and it’s easy to prevent. 3. Inspect the Discharge Line Your discharge line should be clear, sloped away from your home, and free of obstructions. In Fargo’s early freezes, a clogged or poorly positioned line can quickly lead to backups. Tip: Add a freeze guard attachment if your line runs through an area prone to ice. 4. Add or Test Your Battery Backup Fall storms and power outages go hand in hand. Without power, a standard sump pump stops working, but a battery backup keeps things moving. If you already have one, test it now. If not, consider adding one before the wettest weeks hit. 5. Upgrade with Smart Alerts Wi-Fi-enabled sump pumps can send alerts to your phone if they detect water or stop working. That means you can take action even when you’re at work or out of town. 6. Schedule a Professional Fall Maintenance Check DIY care is great, but there’s no substitute for a full inspection by a pro. At NorthSstar Plumbing, our Fall $99 “Stay Dry” Inspection covers: • Sump pump and basin cleaning • Float switch testing • Discharge line check • Battery backup testing • Backwater valve and floor drain inspection 7. Know When It’s Time to Replace Most sump pumps last 7 – 10 years. If yours is older, or you can’t remember when it was installed, it may be time to upgrade before it fails. Newer models are quieter, more efficient, and better at handling heavy flows. Bonus Tip: Follow Fargo’s Sump Pump Guidelines Fargo’s municipal sump pump program requires proper discharge to prevent sewer system overload. If you’re unsure whether you’re in compliance, we can help you check and adjust. Don’t Wait for the First Big Rain The best time to prepare your sump pump is before you hear it running nonstop in the middle of a storm. A little maintenance now could save you thousands in repairs later. Book Your Fall Sump Pump Tune-Up Today Call NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning at 701-367-9592 or contact us online to schedule your Stay Dry Inspection for only $99! We’re here 24/7 for emergencies and always happy to help keep your home dry and comfortable. Serving Fargo–Moorhead homeowners with reliable plumbing expertise and friendly, local service.

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.

🚿☀️ Summer plumbing issues don’t take a vacation. Are You Ready? From leaky outdoor faucets to basement flooding and overworked drains, July brings a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing. We’re breaking down the top plumbing problems to watch for this month and how to prevent them. ✅

As summer arrives in Fargo and the surrounding areas, increased water usage from outdoor activities, gardening, and hosting guests can strain your plumbing system. NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is here to help you prepare with this essential summer plumbing checklist. 1. Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses After winter, it's crucial to check outdoor faucets (hose bibs) and hoses for leaks or damage. Turn on each faucet and look for drips or weak water flow, which could indicate a cracked pipe or worn-out washer. Replace any damaged hoses to prevent water waste and potential flooding. 2. Check Sprinkler Systems If you use an irrigation system, run a test cycle to ensure all sprinkler heads are functioning correctly. Look for signs of leaks, such as soggy patches in your lawn or unusually high water bills. Addressing these issues early can save water and prevent damage to your landscaping. 3. Clean and Maintain Drains Summer gatherings often lead to increased kitchen and bathroom usage. Avoid clogs by keeping food scraps, grease, and hair out of your drains. Use drain strainers to catch debris and consider scheduling a professional drain cleaning to keep everything flowing smoothly. 4. Inspect Washing Machine Hoses With more outdoor activities, laundry loads can increase during summer. Check your washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replacing old hoses with stainless steel braided ones can prevent unexpected bursts and water damage. 5. Test Your Sump Pump Summer storms can lead to basement flooding if your sump pump isn't functioning properly. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit to ensure it activates and drains correctly. Consider installing a battery backup system to keep it running during power outages. 6. Flush Your Water Heater Sediment buildup in your water heater can reduce efficiency and lifespan. Flushing the tank removes sediment and ensures consistent hot water supply. If you're unsure how to do this, NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers professional water heater maintenance services. 7. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal Summer cookouts can tempt you to dispose of food scraps down the garbage disposal. However, avoid putting fibrous foods like corn husks, celery, or greasy leftovers down the drain, as they can cause clogs. When in doubt, dispose of food waste in the trash or compost. 8. Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection Tree roots seeking moisture during dry summer months can infiltrate sewer lines, leading to blockages. Scheduling a sewer line inspection can detect issues early, preventing costly repairs and unpleasant backups. 🛠️ Trust NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning With over 50 years of combined experience, NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is your trusted partner for all plumbing needs in Fargo, ND, and the surrounding areas. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team offers: • 24/7 Emergency Services • Up-Front Guaranteed Pricing • 90-Day Labor Warranty • Expertise in Plumbing Installation, Drain Cleaning, Water Heaters, Flood Protection, and More Don't let plumbing issues disrupt your summer fun. Contact NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today to schedule a service or request a free estimate for remodeling projects. Contact Us: 📞 (701) 367-9592