Do you have questions about our services or plumbing in general? You're not alone! Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
In short, the leading brands of liquid drain cleaners will not harm your plumbing system. However, be cautious as liquid drain cleaners are very caustic and can burn your skin and/or eyes. Be sure to follow the directions of any liquid drain cleaner you use, and notify your plumber before they perform any repairs.
There are two types of backflow prevention devices for premise isolation:
Reduced Pressure Pricipal Assembly (RP) devices - these are used for any type of cross-connection or potential cross-connection involving water that has additives or substances, that, under any concentration, can create a danger to health.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) devices - used on connections that have a low probability of becoming a high or severe hazard.
Frozen pipes will start to thaw at 20 degrees celsius.
Depending on the scope of the problem, it is possible to fix a leaky pipe yourself, if you don't mind a challenge. Because you are dealing with water, and water can cause significant property damage, you shouldn't fix a leaky pipe yourself if you are not sure of what you are doing. If you are not confident that you can fix it properly, you should contact a local plumber. After all, you don't want to make the situation worse.
While there are self-fusing silicon tapes available for low pressure pipes, they are intended as a temporary fix. Ultimately if you have a leaky pipe you'll want to fix it properly to avoid further water damage. If you have a leaky pipe your best option is to shut off your water and call a plumber.
Flushing, or draining your hot water tank, is a maintenance task most home owner can perform themselves. It's a good idea to flush your hot water tank at least once a year. This can help extend the lifespan of the unit and help maintain maximum energy-efficiency.
Refer to your hot water tank's owner's manual for instructions on how to flush your hot water tank. If you are unsure how to do it, contact a local licensed plumber.
Faucets come with installation instructions, so you can install a faucet yourself. However, you will need the proper tools, and it helps to have some experience with this type of work. If you don't install the faucet properly it could result in leaks or the faucet not working properly. If you're unsure, your best option is to contact a plumber. A professional plumber will ensure your faucet is installed properly the first time.
Installing a sump pump is not a quick do it yourself project. Talk with a local licensed plumber and they'll be able to explain everything involved. You'll quickly realize that It's best to have an experienced professional install a sump pump.
In order to install a backwater device in Durham Region, the installer needs be a person certified by the Ontario Water Works Association, or other governing body as approved by Durham Region.
Depending on where you live in Canada, you may be able to install certain types of hot water tanks yourself - but that doesn't mean it's a smart idea.
In most areas, a licensed professional will be required to hook up the power source - typically gas or electric.
If you have questions about installing your own hot water tank, you should contact your local municipality and/or a local plumber.
Depending on the severity of the clog you may be able to unclog your drain without having to call a plumber.
You'll find numerous drain cleaning options at your local hardware store. From liquid drain cleaners, to plungers and drain augers. Some are inexpensive while others rival the cost of hiring a plumber.
In any case, make sure you are comfortable in your decision to unclog your drain yourself. You don't want to make your situation worse. If you have questions or are uncertain as to what you should do, consult a local plumber first.
The short answer is no. While you typically do not need a permit to install a sump pump, you may want to verify with your local building department as requirements can very from municipality to the next. To ensure you have the right sump pump for your property, consult with a local licensed plumber.
Your sewer line carries all your plumbing waste away from your home or business. Ensuring your sewer line is clean is critical in preventing sewage backup, property damage, and health risks.
If you are in a newer home you shouldn't have any issues. However, if you are in an older home or a home with a large root system near your sewer line, you may want to have your sewer line inspected and/or cleaned every few years.
Often times a broken sump pump isn't obvious until you need it. You should refer to the manual that came with your sump pump for maintenance recommendations. As a general rule, you should inspect your sump pump once per year. If you're not sure how to inspect your sump pump contact a local plumber.
Yes. You should inspect your backwater valve at least once per year. Over time sediment can build up and prevent a backwater valve from functioning properly. If you need help maintaining your backwater valve, contact your local plumber.
From boiling water, bleach, and vinegar, there are no shortages of home remedies for unclogging drains. While some may be harmless or ineffective, some could even make your problems worse.
Before trying a homemade concoction to unclog your drain, it's a good idea to consult with your local plumber first. You don't want to create more problems than necessary.
Like most appliances, hot water tanks require periodic maintenance in order to maximize energy-efficiency and the lifespan of the unit.
Depending on the type of hot water tank you have, it is generally a good idea to have your hot water tank professionally serviced once a year. Refer to your hot water tank's instruction manual for maintenance requirements and recommendations.
Liquid drain cleaners can come in handy for minor clogs. But, depending on the severity of the clog, they may not remove all the material causing the clog. If your clog is causing water to drain slower than usual, a liquid cleaner can help. If your drain is severely clogged, your best option is to call a plumber.
We provide everything related to the plumbing - installing drains, vents, water supply lines, and fixtures. We do not do demolition or finishing work such as drywall, paint or tile. However, we can refer you to reputable contractors who can complete all the work we do not do.
We provide all plumbing supplies with the exception of the plumbing fixtures. To ensure you get the best bathroom fixtures for your renovation, we suggest you select your own, or work with your bathroom designer to select fixtures that reflect your design. We will complete all required plumbing and install all plumbing fixtures provided for the renovation.
No, we do not provide bathroom design services. We can help you install all of your plumbing according to your bathroom designs and ensure it is completed to code. Our work is also backed by our industry leading guarantee.
In most cases the best way to fix a leaking pipe joint is to replace the joint. However, this will depend on the nature of the leak and the type of joint that is leaking. When it comes to leaking pipes and joints, your best option is to contact a plumber. A professional plumber can help you mitigate water damage and will ensure your leaky joint is fixed properly the first time.
If you have water pipes that are exposed to temperatures of 0 degrees celsius or less, such as exterior hose bibs in the winter, you should turn the water off to those faucets and then open the faucets to drain any water.
To help prevent pipes from freezing you can wrap them in insulation. There are numerous pipe insulation products available. Visit your your local hardware store to learn more.
If your municipal sewer system encounters problems waste water and sewage could back flow into your home. A backwater valve has a flap that lays on the bottom of the backwater device. As waste water flows towards your home it raises the flap, stopping the waste water from enter your home.
While there are various factors that will determine the lifespan of a well pump, a typical submersible well pump will last for approximately 10 years. However, if your well pump only gets moderate use, it could last 15 years.
Assuming a temperature of 20 degrees celsius or less, and the water pipe is not in use, it will take approximately 4 to 5 hours for a water pipe to freeze and burst.
Thawing a frozen water pipe can take 30 to 45 minutes. If you have a frozen pipe, contact a local plumber immediately. When water turns into ice it expands which can cause pipes to crack and burst which will lead to water damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
Hot water tanks are often out of sight and out of mind. But like other appliances, they do require maintenance from time to time.
As a general rule, you should service your hot water tank once per year. While you might be able to perform some repairs yourself, you should always contact a licensed plumber if you have any questions or concerns.
Cleaning your drains may not be something you think of as regular home maintenance, but keeping your drains clean can prevent future problems.
How often you clean your drains will vary based on when they were last cleaned, the type of plumbing you have, and how old your home is. As a general rule, you should have your drains cleaned every few years. If you have an older home you may want to have your drains cleaned more frequently.
Yes, we can help you install new toilets, sinks, faucets, tubs and/or showers. Whether it's one fixture or all of the above, we can take care of it for you.
Yes, often times when doing a bathroom renovation you'll want to move your plumbing to accommodate a different bathroom layout. Whether you need to move existing plumbing or install new plumbing, we can take care of it for you.
Yes. On June 13, 2018 Durham Region Council passed Backflow Prevention by-law 24-2018.
A dripping faucet is a common problem. While it may not appear to be a big deal, you may be surprised at how much water a drip can waste. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That's the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers! Fixing a dripping faucet is often a simple process. If you're not sure what to do, your best option is to contact your local plumber.
If you have a burst pipe, shut off the water to that pipe or the main water shutoff valve for your home or business. Contact your local plumber to have your burst pipe repaired as soon as possible. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage if left unaddressed.
A continually running toilet can waste a lot of water. Fixing the issue is usually simple. There are three common causes of a running toilet - 1. the flapper chain is disconnected, too short or has too much slack, 2. the flapper may be dirty or broken, 3. the float that controls the level of water in the tank may be out of position. If you're not sure how to fix the problem be sure to contact your local plumber.
Installing your own toilet can be a rewarding DIY project. However, it can also lead to water damage if it's not done properly. Before you install your own toilet, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools. If you're not comfortable with the process or want to ensure it is done properly the first time, contact your local plumber.
A backwater valve is a device installed on your homes sewage line, where it connects to your municipal sewage system. It has a flap that allows waste water to flow away from your home, but prevents it from flowing back into your home.
Jet pumps are used to draw water from a ground water source into a home. Jet pumps are located in the home, generally in the basement. There are two types of jet pumps - shallow and deep - and are used with a pressure tank. Shallow pumps use a single pipe to to draw water from up to 25 feet, while deep pumps use a two pipe system and can draw water from between 25 and 90 feet.
Submersible well pumps are the most common type of well pump. They are installed inside the well and pump water into your home as it is needed.
A sump pump is a pump that automatically pumps excess water away from your home to prevent flooding. Sump pumps are typically installed in a hole in your basement floor, called the "pit" or "basin".
A toilet flange secures the toilet to the floor and connects it to the drain pipe. Circular in shape, a flange is usually made of PVC, rubber or metal, and is secured to the floor with wood or concrete screws depending on your floor type. Your toilet is secured to the flange using flange bolts.
A water service pipe is a pipe, usually underground, that connects your home or business to your community's water source. When you turn a tap on in your home, the water comes through your homes plumbing system, which is connected to your water service pipe.
Unlike municipal water systems that provide water to local residence and businesses, rural homeowners need to supply their own water. A well pump is used to pump water from a ground water source into the home.
There are various types of well pumps but submersible well pumps are most common in Durham Region.
Backflow is the undesired reversal of water flow from a building back into the drinking water system that is caused by either back siphonage or back pressure.
Municipalities throughout Canada have implemented back flow prevention programs to help eliminate contaminated drinking water that can cause human health implications and safety issues.
Visit your local hardware store and you'll find numerous liquid drain cleaning options. A few of the more popular brands include: Drano, Liquid Plumber, and Bio-Clean. A quick search on Google can help you find the best liquid drain cleaner for your situation.
Replacing a kitchen faucet can be a great DIY project, provided you have the right tools. The installation of your kitchen faucet will depend on the type of faucet you are installing. In general, you'll need the following items and tools - channel-locking pliers, basin wrench, adjustable wrench, flexible supply lines, tape measure, and plumber's putty. Your faucet's installation instructions should outline everything you need. If you're uncertain, your best option is to contact your local plumber. They'll help you get your kitchen sink installed properly the first time.
In addition to cleaning sewer lines, we clean all types of residential and commercial drains including: kitchen drains, bathroom sink drains, bathtub and shower drains, floor drains, roof drains, and more. If you have a clogged drain that needs cleaning, give us a call. We have a full array of drain cleaning equipment including cameras and under ground pipe location tech.
A dug/bored well is approximately 48 inches in diameter with a concrete lid on top, usually no more than 30 feet in depth.
A drilled well is typically 8 inches in diameter with a metal casing pipe and metal cap a few inches above the ground. A drilled well can go more than 250 feet in depth.
Hot water tanks and tankless hot water heaters each have their advantages and disadvantages. The type you decide to invest in will depend on numerous factors. Two of the bigger factors that you will need to consider are cost and space.
Hot water tanks generally cost less to purchase and install, however they take up much more room. Tankless hot water heaters on the other hand, generally cost more to purchase and install, but do not require much space as they are wall mounted.
If you are not sure which type of hot water heating system is right for your home or business, contact a local plumber. They will be able to help you determine the right hot water heater for your situation.
Property owners are responsible for the water service pipe up to their property line. The water main is usually underground and runs parallel to your street frontage. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure the maintenance of your water service pipe.
If you need to replace your water service pipe, call us for a free estimate. We employ a number of different installation methods including open trench, torpedo and direct bore. We are equipped to handle urgent leak situations and can work with the Region to resolve your water service issues.
Backwater valves can prevent damage to your home and serious health risks. If waste water and sewage back up into your home it could damage your floors, walls and personal belongings, it could also cause health risks for any occupants of the home. A backwater valve is a smart investment.
Drains get clogged for all kinds of reasons. Even if you are diligent in what you dispose of down your drains, over time they can still become clogged.
With regular use sediment can build up in the drain restricting the flow of water. This is common in bathrooms where hair and soap scum can stick to the interior of the drain pipe. Over time you'll notice that water takes longer to drain than normal. If you suspect your drain is clogged, get it inspected and/or cleaned sooner than later. The longer you wait, the more costly problems can be down the road.
Our plumbing renovation services are for people who want to renovate their bathroom themselves or have their own trades to complete the demolition and finishing work. We take care of all the plumbing so you can rest easy knowing your bathroom will be completed to code and backed by our industry leading guarantee.
Over time, your water service pipe may develop cracks or holes due to corrosion, frost or tree roots. A broken water service pipe, can lead to flooding and contaminated water. This can result in costly repairs and health risks. If you suspect you have an issue with your water service pipe, get it inspected and/or repaired as soon as possible.
If you live in an area that is susceptible to excess rain or snow, a sump pump is a smart investment as it will help prevent flooding in your home. If you're not sure if you need one, consult a local licensed plumber. They will be familiar with the area you live in and can advise you accordingly.
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