FAQs Archive - Page 11 of 18 - Drain Pro

How safe is natural gas?

When installed and used correctly, natural gas is a very safe and efficient source of power. The overwhelming majority of incidents involving natural gas are due to not following the correct procedures, especially when it comes to connecting and disconnecting natural gas lines. When you have your natural gas line installed by licensed professionals such as those at Drain Pro Plumbing Services, you can rest assured that your natural gas system is safe.   Contact us today if you are interested in installing a natural gas system in your home.

How safe is natural gas?2021-10-06T12:53:33+00:00

What are the hidden signs of leaking pipes?

Leaking pipes are sometimes tough to spot, and can go on leaking for days, months, or longer without anybody noticing. This can not only cause significant damage to your home, it also represents a pretty big waste of water - and money. Be on the lookout for the following signs that your pipes are leaking: Unexpected increases in water bills:Generally speaking, water bills remain more or less consistent with some changes depending on the season, number of occupants, and a few other factors. That being said, if your jaw drops to the floor when you open your water bill and you can't remember a reason why it is so high, there's a pretty good chance you have a leaking pipe somewhere. Check your water meter:Your water meter can help you understand whether or not your pipes are leaking water. Turn off all your faucets, make sure your appliances that consume water such as the dishwasher and washing machine are not running, and then go watch your water meter. It should not change, so if it does odds are you have a leak. Mold or mildew on walls:There's nothing mold and mildew love more than dark, moist environments. If your pipes are leaking behind your walls, it is likely that area will become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if it is on a non-shower wall. Sagging, stained, or damaged walls, ceilings, and flooring When there is an excess of moisture in your walls, ceiling, or floor, it can cause damage such as water stains, bubbling, or sagging. If you notice this in your home, there's a good change you have a leaking pipe somewhere. A noticeable musty smellWhen old water accumulates, it often smells musty no matter how hard you try to clean the area. If you clean your bathroom or any other room and it continues to have a musty smell, there's a good chance that water has accumulated there. The consequences of having leaky pipes can be very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you suspect that there is a leak in your home, call Drain Pro Victoria right away. Fixing the problem today can save a lot of time, energy, and money tomorrow.

What are the hidden signs of leaking pipes?2020-09-30T11:47:28+00:00

What causes a water line to break?

There are a number of reasons why your water line might break. In Victoria, it is not uncommon for frozen water pipes to burst and cause serious leaks, especially if you were away from your home in the winter and turned off the heating. Pipes can also break because a shift in the ground around the pipe, root systems growing and coming into contact with your pipes, corrosion, or even shoddy workmanship. Other possible causes of damage include: Corrosion or deterioration of the material Regular wear and tear Tree roots Poor installation Shifting of soil under the surface Sediment buildup Mineral deposit Accumulation of dirt, dust and gunk Frozen water No matter the cause of your broken pipes, Drain Pro Plumbing is there for you in your moment of need. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to emergency calls.

What causes a water line to break?2022-12-19T15:21:21+00:00

How can I tell if my water line is broken?

Sometimes a broken water line is very obvious - a geyser of water or massive puddle starts building up on your property. However sometimes a broken water line can be a bit harder to spot. Here are 3 signs that your water line might be broken. Your water bill suddenly increases: Your water bill should not see dramatic changes throughout the season. If you notice there is a considerable spike in your usage, this is normally the first sign that you might have a leak somewhere on your water line. If you spot such a spike in your water bill, make sure to take a close look at your lawn, basement, and foundation. Other problems might be lurking there. You have lower water pressure:A sudden and significant reduction of your water pressure is another big red flag that could potentially signal a leak in your water line. You will feel the decrease in water pressure when you use the tap, take a shower, and the toilet might not even be able to flush properly Soft, wet spots appear in your lawn: This is another clear sign that you likely have a broken water line. When underground water lines break, they leak water up into the soil. If you spot soft and wet spots on your lawn this might be where your water pipe broke. If you notice any of the above signs, don't wait, call Drain Pro Plumbing Services today. We will get to you as soon as possible and fix your broken water line.

How can I tell if my water line is broken?2020-09-30T15:33:53+00:00

I’m noticing flooding around my yard. Is it possible I have perimeter drainage that is clogged?

This could very well be the case. Clogged drains at the perimeter of a house are not unheard of. The important thing is to get out ahead of the situation, not allowing the clogged drain to persist - otherwise, water pooling could expand and flooding could occur, putting your home's foundation (and home interior!) at risk. This goes for all clogged drains, anywhere in the home, as it's best to take care of the drain clog ASAP to prevent bigger issues down the line. Count on Drain Pro, the plumbing pros in Victoria and Lower Vancouver Island, to assess your clogged drains and rectify the situation ASAP.

I’m noticing flooding around my yard. Is it possible I have perimeter drainage that is clogged?2025-06-25T15:42:07+00:00

How can you tell whether I have a clogged drain and where the drain clog is located?

A clogged drain will manifest itself in the form of not allowing water to pass through, ergo creating a backup of water. You may notice water pooling or even flooding. This is problematic for clogged sinks, clogged toilets, clogged tubs and showers and any other blocked drains in your home. When Drain Pro arrives on the scene, our expert plumbers will determine where the clog is located and how best to unclog it. In some cases we will use video inspection equipment to locate the clogged drain, as it could be well down the line and not visible to the human eye or easily reached by standard DIY unclogging equipment (e.g. "the snake"). Rest assured, we'll find that clog and get rid of your drain clogs. Dealing with a stubborn clog? Schedule your clogged drain service today.

How can you tell whether I have a clogged drain and where the drain clog is located?2025-06-25T17:57:44+00:00

What if I’m on septic and not on a main sewer system? Can you help with septic lines?

Yes, most definitely we can help with septic line repair and replacement. Many of the signs in the question above ("How do I know whether I need a sewer line repair or replacement?") are applicable to septic lines and septic systems as well. The difference, of course, is that with a septic system, your outflow will go into a septic tank and do its full process while on your property, as opposed to having sewer lines take it away. Signs of a failing septic line are much the same as signs of a failing sewer line. Should you experience the signs of septic line failure, count on Drain Pro for septic line repair.

What if I’m on septic and not on a main sewer system? Can you help with septic lines?2020-09-29T16:37:28+00:00

How do I know whether I need a sewer line repair or replacement?

There are numerous signs that sewer line repair or replacement may be necessary. Are you experiencing backups of wastewater or sanitary sewer? Are pipes leaking in your home? Is water draining slowly from sinks, tubs, showers and/or toilets? Are you seeing mold in walls an/or ceilings? Is your water bill abnormally high? These could be warning signs that sewer lines are broken or failing. That means it's time to call in the pros for a sewer line inspection. We'll assess the condition of your sewer lines. We do our best to recommend sewer line repair whenever possible, rather than full sewer line replacement. For more information, please see our article on sewer line repairs & replacement.

How do I know whether I need a sewer line repair or replacement?2025-06-25T15:52:30+00:00

How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?

Here in Victoria and Lower Vancouver Island, the weather generally doesn't get to the point where pipes freezing is a major concern. It's the warmest city in Canada, after all! But sometimes winter takes its toll, in the form of snowfall and/or freezing temperatures. Does that leave your pipes vulnerable? The answer depends on the construction of your home. In particular, if you have a water heater in an external portion or exterior segment of your home, and an extended cold snap or power outage were to occur, this could leave your pipes vulnerable. Power outages in general can be problematic. To find out whether your home is built solid for the winter or remains vulnerable to pipes freezing, call on Drain Pro for an inspection of your pipes and plumbing.

How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?2020-09-29T16:36:50+00:00

Why does natural gas smell like rotten eggs?

Believe it or not, natural gas smells like rotten eggs to keep you safe. Because natural gas on its own is odorless, a harmless and safe chemical called mercaptan is mixed with the gas so we can smell if there is a gas leak. Most people describe the smell of natural gas mixed with mercaptan as similar to rotten eggs or sulphur. If you have a natural gas in your home and notice a smell of rotten eggs, you might have a natural gas leak. If you suspect you do have a leak, vacate your home and call Drain Pro Plumbing.

Why does natural gas smell like rotten eggs?2020-09-29T16:35:59+00:00