Old pipe and boiler repair in West Seventh, Saint Paul, MN 55102

The homes around Irvine Park were among the first built in the city, long before indoor plumbing. Bathrooms and kitchens were added over the years, so supply and drain lines often take odd routes through stone and brick. Galvanized pipe, old cast iron and sometimes lead lines show up in the same basement.

We take our time in these houses. Before replacing anything, we trace where lines go and what each one serves. We avoid opening historic plaster when we can and reuse existing chases. When repiping makes sense, we choose routes that respect the house and pull the permit for the work.

Many West Seventh homes sit on limestone or fieldstone foundations. Those walls hold cold, and drafts slip in through gaps around the sill plate. Water lines running along the outside wall of a basement, or up into a kitchen on an exterior wall, can freeze in a deep cold snap.

We thaw frozen lines safely and look for splits before turning the water back on. To stop repeat freezes, we reroute pipes away from the coldest walls, add insulation and seal drafts where they meet the pipe. It's often a small change that saves a lot of worry each January.

The Schmidt brewery buildings now hold lofts, and newer condos and townhomes have gone up along West 7th Street. Those units bring their own plumbing issues: leaks between floors, compact water heaters in closets and fixture problems in kitchens and baths. Shared buildings also have rules about shutoffs and work hours.

We trace leaks with moisture meters, replace water heaters to fit tight spaces and handle faucet, toilet and shower valve repairs. We coordinate with building managers for any shared risers. West 7th is just minutes from our Lowertown office. Give us a ring at (651) 215-2087.