Frequently Asked
Questions
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Alternative septic systems are often installed in “difficult” sites with conventional methods, but if you find water in your backyard from your septic system, you may need to upgrade or switch from a conventional septic system to something better suited to your area. There are many alternative septic systems that can accommodate sewer line plumbing, treat wastewater and dispose of it properly. Alternative septic systems include raised bed and septic mound systems, aerobic systems, disinfection and even waterless systems.
The first indicator that you need to switch from a conventional septic system may be that you experience flooding or unusual water gathering in a backyard or field. If you find your conventional septic system is not adequate, it is important to act quickly to avoid being cited or fined for non-compliance.
Today’s plumbing jobs offer more opportunities than ever, including jobs with large construction companies, national plumbing chains and government contractors. There are also self-employment options after plumbers have completed apprenticeship programs.
Female plumbers are discovering unique opportunities with some companies that specialize in “women-only” services. One example is the U.K. based company Plumb-Hers, which advertises itself as an alternative service for those who feel intimidated by inviting a stranger into the home for plumbing services.
Whether you are seeking a specialized niche career as a steamfitter, pipe layer or residential plumber, the demand for plumbers and plumbing technology far exceeds the supply of qualified people. Career prospects for future plumbers are very bright.
Some people wonder if the use of water softeners will damage their septic system. The real concern over water softeners is not with the water itself, but with the by-product of the softening process. Brine water is created as water softeners do their job of removing minerals from the water. This brine water (also known as water softener regeneration discharge) goes into your septic system.
Experts disagree on whether the brine water can negatively affect the decomposition of solid matter in a conventional septic system. Some believe it can contribute to drainfield failures and other problems. If you are concerned about the briney by-products of your water softeners, consider investing in a softener system with a large mineral tank. This will allow the brine water to be stored in the tank longer, cutting down on the number of times brine is discharged into your septic system.
You can also use a water softener system that is not timer-based, but on a periodic schedule. This can also help control brine in your septic system, but limiting the number of times per year it is introduced into the septic tank.
If you want to add a water softener system to your kitchen plumbing, there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding to install it yourself or have it done by a professional. The softener systems referred to here are not the type installed on a kitchen sink faucet, but connected to your plumbing system. Water softeners are installed on the main water supply line, so the entire water supply to your home is treated. The only faucet not affected by the softener system is your outdoor faucet used to run a garden hose or sprinkler system.
Most building codes require installation of a bypass valve so that your faucets can dispense non-treated water if a problem develops with the water softener system. Your kitchen faucets will dispense non-treated water only when the bypass is activated. Some people prefer a bypass line that supplies drinking water or a connection to a refrigerator ice machine.
One important consideration when installing a water softener is where to store the softener unit. Some prefer installing the softener equipment in the garage, while others use the laundry room. Wherever you store the unit, you will need the right length pipe or tubing to connect the unit to your plumbing system.
Some basement laundry room layouts include an adjoining bathroom. Because these are seldom used, some homeowners report a bad odour coming from the laundry room, which is sometimes blamed on the laundry itself, the laundry room floor drain, or another source.
Before you call a plumber, try a simple experiment by pouring water into the toilet, sinks and shower stall in the adjoining bathroom. Flush the toilet, let the water drain in the sinks and the bath and check back in a day to see if you still detect a bad smell. The water in your “u-bend pipe” or sink trap will evaporate over time if the plumbing isn’t used regularly, allowing odours to seep into the laundry room. Running water in the adjoining bathroom should cure your laundry room odour problem if dry pipes are to blame.
Some laundry room plumbing issues don’t have anything to do with frozen or broken water pipes, blockages or defective stackable laundry centres. Sometimes the cause of a flooded laundry room is much simpler. Good plumbers know that cheaply-made hose connections from the washing machine to the residential plumbing system can fail after only five years of use. That’s one of the reasons an automatic washing machine shut-off valve can be an important addition to your laundry centre. This shut-off valve is installed between the water source and the washing machine, and automatically shuts off the supply of water when it detects the washing machine has shut off. A burst hot or cold water hose can send hundreds of gallons an hour into your laundry centre, so installing a shut-off valve is excellent preventive maintenance.
Did you know there is an association designed especially for kitchen and bath construction and remodelling? The National Kitchen & Bath Association offers planning guidelines that can help you with designer kitchen ideas.
One important recommendation involves work counter height. Two options are advised. The first option is 28 inches – 36 inches above the finished floor, the second option is 36 inches – 45 inches. Having kitchen countertops and kitchen plumbing fixtures at the right height for you is important for ergonomic reasons. Kitchen countertops that are too high often require some straining to do repetitive tasks like dishwashing or food prep. The same goes for surfaces and kitchen plumbing fixtures which are too low, forcing you to stoop slightly. Over time, this repetitive action can cause discomfort and even pain in some cases. Consult with a kitchen plumbing expert to determine the proper height for your fixtures and counters if you aren’t sure.
Your kitchen faucets may experience a problem or two along the way. Home kitchen design is great when it is brand new, but over time your kitchen fixtures may develop some minor issues that need fixing. Is water coming out of the sides of your kitchen faucet instead of the spout? Kitchen faucets with an aerator develop this problem when the aerator needs a good cleaning. Is the water flow slow? Irregular? The aerator may need replacing. A constant drip from your faucet indicates that a washer has worn out and needs replacing. Has your faucet valve locked up? This happens when mineral buildup becomes too great. Spray the valve with a water and vinegar mixture to loosen the valve again. Do you have shut-off valves that won’t work when you try to shut off the water supply to fix your faucet? Spray them down with WD40 or a similar lubricant and try using a wrench or pliers to turn the valves.
Once you have had plumbing drain cleaning services, there are some preventive maintenance tricks you can try to prevent future clogs and drain issues:
- Install hair traps in your showers and sinks.
- Use a food-grade filter in your kitchen sink to prevent debris from washing down the non-disposal drain.
- Switch to thin, non-quilted toilet paper to avoid clumping in the sewer line.
- Use a monthly BioChoiceES® drain cleaning treatment for all drains.
- Clean all hair, food and grease traps regularly.
Preventive maintenance helps reduce your need for drain cleaning machines or services, reduces odours and extends the life of your drain system. You will notice faster draining time, more efficient garbage disposal in the kitchen sink and reduced toilet clogging.
Bathroom maintenance for drains usually starts with the use of a hair trap. Did you know soap and hair combined can create a clog far tougher to deal with than hair alone? A hair trap is one of the best bathroom preventive maintenance tools for bathtub drains.
If you do encounter a slow or clogged bathtub drain, do not pour caustics into the drain to unclog it. Chances are some of the caustic material will backwash into your shower even after the clog has been removed. It’s much safer to use a snake or a bio drain cleaner instead.
For bathroom sink drains, a strainer way seem like a bit of overkill, but if you have an older sink without a built-in stopper, a toothpaste cap falling into your drain can be a big inconvenience. Small hair traps are plumbing maintenance tools which prevent foreign objects from entering the bathroom sink drain including contact lenses, rings or necklaces.
Nothing stops a command performance of singing in the shower faster than a clogged drain. But the following tips from Drain Pro could be music to your ears when it comes to tackling the problem. Most shower clogs can be corrected easily with a minimum of hassle and mess. All you need are a few simple tools and a little common sense. Hair is usually the culprit when a shower fails to drain properly. In fact, checking the strainer cover that fits over the drain in your shower enclosure may be all it takes to solve the problem. If the perforations are stopped up, clean them out and test the flow of water. If the perforations in the strainer cover are not blocked, don’t panic. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps to remove the clog.
First, determine how the strainer cover is attached. Some covers simply snap into place and can be removed from the drain by lifting them with a screwdriver. Other covers are held in place by a couple of screws, which can be easily removed. Once the strainer cover is removed, shine a flashlight into the drain and visually check for a clog. You should see water a few inches below in the drain, but if you spot an obstruction, use a piece of stiff wire – a metal coat hanger crimped to make a hook on the end works fine – to clear the pipe. Gently snag the clog with the wire, being careful not to push the obstruction deeper into the drain. If you do not see a hair clog blocking the pipe, try using a plunger to clear the drain. Commonly known as the “plumber’s friend,” a plunger works best when there is a firm seal around the drain opening. It might help to coat the rim of the rubber force cup with petroleum jelly.
Next, pour enough water into the shower enclosure to cover the lip of the rubber cup on the plunger, and make sure the cup is securely fitted over the drain opening. Then, move the handle of the plunger up and down rapidly. If the plunger fails to force the clog free, the next step is to try a hand snake. This device features a flexible coil of spring steel with a crank at one end for rotating it. Carefully feed the metal cable into the drain pipe until you hit the obstruction. When you feel the cable stop, crank the handle clockwise. The tip of the metal cable will snag the clog as it turns. Keep up the cranking motion as you slowly pull the cable out of the drain line and the clog should pull free.
If all of these steps fail to clear the drain, call a professional plumber, such as Drain Pro. Cleaners can be poured into drains to remove clogs, but these cleaners contain caustic chemicals and should be used only as directed by the manufacturer. Drains should always be flushed thoroughly after a chemical application. Never use a plunger immediately after pouring a chemical into the drain. And remember, if you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner and then summon a plumber, tell him immediately so he can take the proper precautions.
Clogged drains may require a video camera inspection if you have repeated problems. Some clogs can be easily fixed, but if you can’t locate the trouble yourself, you should call Drain Pro professionals to do a complete video camera inspection of your plumbing system.
A company properly equipped for this task, such as Drain Pro, will provide a complete pipe inspection system to determine the source of your problem. If you require a video camera inspection, chances are the clogged drains are being caused deep within the system. Video camera inspection is an important tool in both detection and fixing the problem correctly. Different clogs require different solutions. You may have debris lodged in the system or tree roots growing into your pipes. Video camera inspection is an excellent way to prescribe treatment.
This is a blockage of air in the drain, typically caused by a clog. Removing the clog should fix the problem.
Bathroom contractors may not agree on a “standard” height for bathroom sinks and counters, but there are a few considerations to make before finalizing the height of your bathroom plumbing, fixtures and bath sinks. You can find a good height for the bathroom sink by putting a large bowl on a countertop or table and raising the height with a small stack of books until you find the most comfortable bathroom sink height for you. If you have wall-mounted faucets and are replacing a pedestal basin, try to match the height and depth of the original basin if you aren’t sure about a good alternative height.
Remember that on wall-mounted faucets, a long stream and a deep basin can create splashing. How powerful is your stream? A shallow basin may get overwhelmed by too much water. It’s important to balance the height, the force and the volume of water with bath sink capacity and draining speed.
There are four basic types of bathroom faucet drillings. When upgrading your bathroom plumbing, you may choose to buy a bath sink faucet-and-basin combination, but when buying these pieces separately, remember the configuration of the four bathroom faucet types:
- Wall-mounted faucets require a spout long enough to reach your freestanding or counter-mounted basin• Single lever – standard for three-hole, pre-drilled sinks
- Widespread – also made for pre-drilled, three-hole bath sinks
- Centre set – standard for three-hole, pre-drilled basinsIn addition to these four types of faucets for bath sinks, you can get better water flow control and pressure by choosing an aerated spout.
Spouts without aeration may splash more when the water hits the basin. For taller basins, this may not be as much of a problem as it can be with a shallow bath sink. Remember to match sink fixtures properly with the depth and width of the basin if you are buying separately.
If you are using bathroom contractors to remodel your bathroom, you’ll need to give them some information to help design and plan your new bathroom plumbing needs. If you already have bathroom design ideas, give them to the contractor in advance, and be sure to include the following information:
- Countertop materials – Do you prefer stone, a solid surface or a laminate?
- Electric outlets and fixtures – Do you want to add or move something?
- Sink, toilet and tub – Do you want a larger size, a different configuration or a new location?• What type of cabinets do you want?
- Do you want new flooring?
If you aren’t sure on any of these bathroom remodelling ideas, check with the sales rep to look through a catalog or see samples of your options. You can look over a wide range of fixtures, toilet diagrams and bathroom design ideas before committing. Always get multiple estimates on your final design with alternative materials and configurations to see how adding or changing fixtures or materials affect the bottom line.
Your best source for plumbing information in the bathroom is your own two eyes. Plumbing preventive maintenance starts with inspecting your shut-off valves under the sink and toilet. Do you find leaks, drips or cracks in the basin, bowl or pipes? Leaks are often caused by connections which need tightening. Cracks can be sealed with putty.
The next step is lifting the lid on your toilet tank. If your toilet has been constantly running, a quick check of the floater could reveal the source of your problem. Adjust the floater to fix the problem. If there is no problem, check the floater to make sure the fittings are properly adjusted and tightened on the assembly. A loose screw may allow the floater to slip. Bathroom maintenance for toilets includes flushing only paper. Don’t allow any foreign objects to be flushed, and never pour hot liquid into a toilet bowl.
Plumbing maintenance includes catching small problems before they develop into major hassles. Is your toilet rocking from side to side? Does it lack the stability it once had? You may need to maintain or replace your toilet flange. This is a fitting that lets you connect to the floor underneath, with the rim of the flange resting on the floor. This prevents any weight being transferred to the drainage pipes, which should never be allowed. If you have an old, decrepit toilet flange you can buy an extender ring that fits over the existing flange.
The most important part of toilet maintenance on this part of the system is the airtight seal; follow all installation directions to the letter, and don’t skip the sealing and caulking stages. Toilet flange plumbing maintenance is important for preventing more serious problems later, especially if your current setup is putting weight on the pipes. The last thing you want to deal with is a broken toilet drain pipe.
If you are getting ready to modernize an old bathroom with new fixtures, a toilet and luxury bathroom furniture, take a look at your old plumbing first to see if you can make a few upgrades to protect your investment.
Examine the walls and flooring around all fixtures, stop valves and fittings to make sure there are no leaks which need repairing. If you don’t have shut-off valves installed, this is the perfect time to fix that problem. Not having a shut-off valve means turning off the water for the whole house to make plumbing repairs!
Another overlooked upgrade to old plumbing systems is the installation of a pressure-balancing valve in your bathroom plumbing system. Installed in the hot and/or cold water supply lines to your shower, the pressure-balancing valve prevents that scalding hot or freezing cold burst of water in the shower when a toilet is flushed or another faucet is used elsewhere. It may not be a luxury bathroom design, but a scald-free shower is definitely an improvement that should be found in all modern bathrooms.
Commercial plumbing contractors offer a wide range of services, with many dedicated to specific industries such as food service. Are you looking for a regular relationship with a commercial plumbing company? The best offer frequent customer or preferred customer programs that give you priority for emergency services and routine maintenance calls.
Avoid dealing with plumbing services that give you specific quotes for plumbing work without doing an on-site inspection. Commercial plumbing work is subject to many variables and an accurate estimate simply can’t be given over the phone unless the problem has been diagnosed in person. Your plumbing problems may be complicated by issues beyond your basic control; tree roots can penetrate sewer lines, the original installation of pipes or drains could be defective.A commercial plumbing expert can give you sound advice on how to control or repair these issues, and what kind of preventive maintenance the company can help you with. Never pay for an on-site inspection meant to give you an estimate. The commercial plumbing service should offer this for free. When in doubt, ask during the telephone consultation if there is a fee for a specific service.
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 brig 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.
There are a number of reasons why your water line might break. In Ottawa, 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. 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.
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 sulfur. 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.
First, let’s start with the age of your water heater. Check the serial number on the water heater, usually found on the manufacturer’s sticker towards the top of the water heater. The sticker should show the date that the water heater was made. The first letter represents the month… e.g. A for January, F for June, L for December, etc. The two-digit number next to that is the year of manufacture for the water heater. Is your water heater approaching its 10-year anniversary? If so, it’s time to start thinking about a new water heater. If it’s older than 10 years, it’s probably time to replace your water heater. There are also other signs to look out for. Does your water heater rumble and/or make a lot of noise? Is there rust-coloured water coming from your water heater? Is there water around your water heater? These are all signs that water heater replacement is called for.
The answer to the age-old question of “gas water heater versus electric water heater” is not a cut-and-dry, black-and-white one. Gas water heaters cost a bit more up front, but could save you money over time depending on your hydro use rates versus the cost of gas at your home. Also a lot of this depends on what type of power source your home is already equipped for. If you only have electric in your home, for example, you’re probably better off sticking with an electric water heater, rather than paying for the addition of gas lines and ancillary equipment to support a gas water heater. If you already have a gas hookup, it could be worth your while to spend a bit more up front on the water and use gas to run your hot water rather than go with an electric water heater.
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.
The best way to prevent clogged pipes and drain blocks is to watch religiously what is going down the drains. Use filters on shower and tub drains to catch hair and other objects. Similarly, sinks can have a trap installed to catch debris. Do not put grease, oil or any foreign objects down the drain. Only toilet paper should go into the toilet. Use compost bins, recycling and garbage to your advantage to keep anything and everything from going down the pipes. Proactive measures are the best way to keep your pipes clear and free of blocks and clogs.
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:
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.
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.
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.
While drain excavation is not ideal, it’s not the worst thing that can happen to a homeowner – so long as the drain excavation is carried out properly and professionally. For most homeowners in Lower Vancouver Island and Victoria, drain excavation is an inconvenience for a short while – but, as they say, “this too shall pass.” The bigger issues with drain excavation tend to occur when shoddy workmanship comes into play, or when a homeowner takes on too much with a DIY drain excavation project. When Drain Pro is handling your drain excavation in Victoria or surrounding areas, you can rest assured that we work with the most minimal footprint possible, making every effort to leave your property in better shape than when we first arrived.
At Drain Pro, the leader in drain excavation in Victoria & Lower Vancouver Island, we use the latest and most advanced equipment for our drain excavation services. This includes light machinery for trench digging, hydro excavation, etc. Backhoes are a pretty handy piece of machinery that we get great use out of; mini excavators are also on the scene. Hydrovac trucks have come into use more these days with hydro excavation. It all really depends on the nature and the scope of your drain excavation project. While we ask everyone to keep a safe distance, if you have kids or grandkids (or kids at heart) who want to come out and see the drain excavation machinery equipment that we’re using at your property, we’d be glad to entertain them (at a safe distance) while performing the work for your Victoria drain excavation project.
Sometimes plumbing equipment can wear down over time and potentially fail. If this happens, you could end up with a nasty pipe leak or burst pipe that causes flooding and water damage to your home. That’s why it’s good to be aware of the condition of the pipes and plumbing in your home. For older homes in Victoria & Lower Vancouver Island, this means a plumbing inspection is a good idea. Newer homes can still experience plumbing issues where plumbing replacement is called for. At Drain Pro, the leader in Lower Vancouver Island & Victoria plumbing, we’ll do our best to keep your costs down by performing plumbing repair whenever possible. In some cases, however, the pipes and/or other plumbing equipment are simply either too old or broken beyond repair, and plumbing replacement is the only alternative.
We sure do! From new home construction to home renovations, tear-downs & rebuilds, homeowners, property managers and project managers in Victoria and Lower Vancouver Island count on Drain Pro for expert plumbing installation. We perform professional plumbing installation in Victoria and surrounding communities including: kitchen sink installation, bath sink installation, toilet installation, bathtub and shower installation, washer/dryer installation, hot water tanks, garbage disposals and much more. It doesn’t matter whether you are a homeowner looking to renovate your kitchen or a developer putting up a new housing community. With Drain Pro, the trusted leader in Victoria plumbing installation and repair, each job comes with the same level of expertise, experience, service and attention we’ve become known for. That’s why, when it comes to Lower Vancouver Island and Victoria plumbing installation and repair, Drain Pro is the one you can count on.
Just like there are many causes for a water line to break, so too are there many reasons for which your pipes might leak. Leaks are common in plumbing systems which are old and outdated. Older systems and pipes often suffer corrosion or warping which can cause leaks. Defective or poorly installed pipes are also very prone to leaking as shoddy plumbing workmanship can cause significant and expensive damage to your system. Your home’s pipes might also leak if the valves were poorly maintained or suffered damage. If you are experiencing leaking pipes, don’t wait until it’s too late – call Drain Pro Plumbing right away!
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:
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- 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.
Replace sections of your pipes when you notice they become corroded. Also, avoid crowding cabinets that have exposed pipes. For instance, it is common for people to store household cleaning supplies under sinks. If there are too many items, they could be applying pressure on your pipes, which could cause them to start leaking.
Contact us if you have any more questions about leaking pipes or system maintenance.
Leaking pipes may not present an immediate danger as some plumbing emergencies do. However, leaking pipes can cause some serious damage if left alone. Leaks can become larger over time, cause major water damage and promote the growth of mold.
If you believe you may have a leaking pipe, contact Drain Prop today so that we can help you assess the situation before any further damage is done.
The warning signs of leaking pipes are not always obvious, it is often difficult to spot if you have a leaking pipe or what is causing it. Professionals will be able to diagnose the source of the leaking plumbing and propose a solution for the best course of action.
We’re happy to help with all of your drain and pipe needs, contact us today!
A sump pump is a submersible pump that is found at the lowest point in a property. This pump helps to protect a house from water damage caused by intense rainfalls, storms, and rising waters. The pump is inside a sump pit and can detect when water begins to rise. When the water starts to build, the sump pump will pump the water out of the building and away from your property.
Contact Drain Pro Plumbing today for more information!
A sump pump helps to protect your house from flooding, mold, and electrical fires. When there is heavy rainfall, basements can fill with water fast. High levels of water in a contained area such as a basement can lead to damage to all belongings and the structure of your home. Built-up water in a basement is likely to grow mold. Mold grows fast and can have a severe impact on not only your house but your personal health. Water damage to electrical appliances can cause short-circuits which lead to electrical fires.
Protect your house from preventable damage. Contact Drain Pro Plumbing today to learn more about sump pumps and how they can help protect your home!
Sump pump installation can be tricky and there are many things that can go wrong. If a sump pump is not properly installed, that could lead to severe damage to your home. There are also special tools required to install a sump pump that aren’t worth buying for just one use. Save yourself time and money from an installation where anything could go wrong, hire trusted professionals for sump pump installation and repairs.
Contact Drain Pro Plumbing today to learn more!
Sump pumps can come in different shapes and sizes which can make it difficult to tell what would be best for your home. The best way to find a sump pump that works for you is to contact professionals. At Drain Pro Plumbing, we are here to help you find the right sump pump for your home.
Contact us today to learn more about sump pumps!
If any portion of your home is located underground, it is imperative that you purchase a sump pump. This will keep your home free of water damage to the basement and core structure of the building. Sump pumps provide you with peace of mind so you don’t need to worry about unexpected water damage to your family’s home. Contact us today to get started!
A standard sump pump basin is between 18 and 25 gallons. We always say the bigger the better when it comes to your sump pump basin, this will allow the pump to run less frequently, thus increasing its lifespan. We are proud to assist with all of your sump pump needs, no matter what. Contact us today.
No. Unfortunately, sump pumps require electricity to function. We recommend looking into purchasing a dedicated sump pump backup power supply if you live in a home that frequently loses power. Contact us today to have all of your sump pump needs taken care of quickly and professionally.
It is highly recommended that you NEVER use a sump pump with an extension cord. It is important to have your pump plugged into a dedicated outlet with a circuit breaker to ensure your pump is receiving the proper voltage. If you do not have an outlet near your outlet, please have one professionally installed by an electrician. If you are ready to have your sump pump professionally installed, contact us today!
The first thing you need to do is shut off the water to that pipe or the main water shut off. Then you need to immediately call a plumber so they can repair the burst pipe. Time is of the essence, burst pipes can cause significant water damage if left untreated! Due to modern advancements in plumbing technology, this problem can be remedied quite easily if you hire a trained professional to help you. Our team of experts here at Drain Pro Plumbing is here to ensure all of your plumbing needs are met in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact us today to get started!
There are self fusing silicone tapes available to help repair leaky pipes, however, this is only a temporary solution. Upon realizing you have a leak, apply this tape to the leak and contact a plumber to come and properly remedy the pipe to avoid any damage to the structure of the building. If your home is experiencing a leaking pipe, it is important to call a plumber to get ahead of the situation. Our team of experts here at Drain Pro Plumbing is prepared to handle all of your leaky pipe problems, no matter what! Contact us today.
There are two major places to look for leaks in your house, those places being the kitchen and the bathroom. Begin your search by checking all the piping in your bathroom and your kitchen for leaks under the sinks, behind the toilet etc. these places are by far the most common places you will find your leak. If you have checked these places and are still at a loss, contact us today to book an inspection and we will determine the origin of your leak. Contact us today!
We do not recommend attempting to fix a leaky pipe yourself unless you are experienced in plumbing repair. This way you avoid causing any further water damage to the affected area due to inexperience! Contact our experts here at Drain Pro and we will be more than happy to assist with all of your plumbing needs, no matter how big or small the project may be!
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831 SHAMROCK STREET
VICTORIA, BC V8X 2V1
