April 2019 - Draincom

Main Causes of Low Water Pressure in House

Posted on April 29, 2019March 6, 2020 by draincom

Every resident in the GTA has experienced low water pressure in house at one time or another. However, if low water pressure is an ongoing issue, there could a problem with your plumbing. The fix could be very simple or you could need professional help.

Following are the most common reasons for low water pressure. If you need further assistance, you should contact a professional plumber Toronto.

6 Common Reasons for Low Water Pressure in House

Shutoff Valve

One of the easiest ways of how to fix low water pressure in house is to check the water shutoff valve, which is typically located near the water meter, generally outside your home. Turn the valve counterclockwise and then check to see if the issue has been resolved.

*NB: Should you ever have any issues with burst pipes, you should turn off your water shutoff valve straight away.

Leaks

Inspect your home for leaks, especially near the plumbing fixtures, behind counters, and appliances. In addition, you should inspect the toilet, faucets, shower heads, and beneath any sinks.

If one of your toilets is constantly running after flushing or if you have noticed that the water level is lower than usual, you might need to replace part of the tank components. This can prevent your toilet from overflowing or a pipe from bursting, which can be quite a mess as well as costly to repair.

Inspect the leak indicator on your water meter. Additionally, you should make notes of the levels and inspect them again in a few hours (preferably after not running any water) to see if the number has changed. A drastic change could indicate a leak.

Problems with Hot Water Heater

Inspect every faucet in your home to determine which areas are experiencing low water pressure. Next, inspect your hot water heater to see if the water shut off valve is off. Then check it carefully for leaks or damage. Any repairs should be handled by a professional.

Clogged Aerator Screen

If you are experiencing low water pressure from one faucet only, it could be a clogged aerator screen. All you need to do is to soak the screen in a solution of vinegar and water and replace it!

Issues with PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve)

Is low water pressure a problem throughout your house? It could be the PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve). This is usually located near the main water line outside your home and is shaped like a bell. Turn the PRV clockwise to stop low water pressure in house. If this does not resolve the issue, its replacement could be necessary. Contact your local plumber to do the job properly.

The Issue with City Water Pressure

If you have tried all the above and still experience low water pressure in house, you should contact the water department in your municipality to see if there is a problem with the water pressure in your area.

If you are having problems with low water pressure in house, contact DrainCom. We will send out one of our qualified plumbers to assist you.

7 Helpful Tips for Recruiting Plumbers for Hire in Toronto

Posted on April 22, 2019March 6, 2020 by draincom

Plumbing issues are inevitable for Toronto area homeowners. From burst pipes and clogged drains to a broken garbage disposal, there are many plumbing emergencies that we face as homeowners. So, how does one find a reputable plumber for hire in the GTA?

Here are some tips to help you find a qualified and reliable Toronto plumbing service. If you keep these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your plumbing woes will be handled by a pro!

Tips on Finding Reliable Plumbers for Hire in the GTA

Conduct online research

One of the best ways to find a professional plumbing company with a solid reputation is to look online. Take some time to research local plumbing companies and find out as much as you can about them. Read customer reviews thoroughly for any discrepancies with what the company outlines on their website. In addition, you should look for reviews on websites other than the company’s site, as those tend to be more truthful and unbiased. Use Google to search the company by name or check out such sites as Angie’s list.

Check with other homeowners

Consult your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for their experiences with local plumbers for hire. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find out if a plumbing agency is as good as they claim.

Make sure that the plumbing agency is properly licensed and insured

Always make sure that a plumber for hire is licensed, certified, and insured. You can consult the Better Business Bureau to make sure that they are up to date on the aforementioned items. Moreover, any company complaints would be listed on the BBB. Hiring a plumber without a valid license can lead to costly issues down the line and can be easily resolved if you do your research properly.

Make sure they offer a warranty for their services

A trustworthy plumber for hire will offer a full warranty for their plumbing services. Hiring a plumber without a written and signed warranty can lead to major problems in the future should there be an issue with their service. Always read the warranty in full and make sure you understand the terms before signing.

Ask how many years they have been in business

It is always wise to go with a plumber that has been in business for a long period. A long-standing career is a telltale sign of a solid reputation.

Consult local professionals

It is always a good idea to speak with other business professionals, such as contractors, electricians, or HVAC techs. They will have had experience working with local companies and will be able to offer you their honest opinion.

Speak with several plumbers for hire before making the final decision

A quick phone call on your end can give you peace of mind before hiring a plumber. Make a list of the top three to five plumbers in your search. Then call each of them and speak to them to find out more about their services. Have a list of questions ready and jot down their replies. This will help you in your decision-making process.

Contact DrainCom if you are looking for plumbers for hire. We have years of experience and all our plumbers are licensed and certified. Call us today for your plumbing needs.

How to Clear Blocked Drains in Your Home

Posted on April 18, 2019April 1, 2024 by draincom

Every homeowner in the GTA has had to deal with blocked drains at one time or another. This can be quite an inconvenience but can be easily resolved if done so properly. In addition, there are means to help avoid clogged drains.

Following are some common fixes for drain blockage. If the problem is not easily resolved, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber for drain repair in Toronto.

Main Causes of Blocked Drains

Following are some of the main causes of drain blockages. Simply watching out for these items can save you from the burden of clearing blocked drains.

Hair
Grease
Coffee Grounds
Bath Salts
Food Scraps (i.e.: bones, rice, pasta, fatty foods)
Foreign Objects (toys, makeup, sanitary products, etc.)
Expensive Toilet Tissue
Liquid Soap
Toothpaste
Plant Leaves & Dirt

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Do not pour grease down your drain. This includes butter and shortening as well as olive, coconut, vegetable, or other cooking oils.
Flush your drains with a mixture of hot water and vinegar once a month.
Install drain catchers and clean them regularly.
Clean your sinks, showers, and toilets regularly.

7 Ways to Fix Blocked Drains

Flush with hot or boiling water

One of the easiest fixes for a clogged drain is to flush it with boiling water. This will work with drains that are backed up with food or grease build up. However, you should never pour boiling water down PVC pipes, as this can loosen the joints and cause damage.

Use a Natural DIY Cleaner

Many homeowners prefer to use natural DIY cleaners as opposed to more harmful store-bought ones, such as Liquid Plumber or Draino.

Simply pour one cup of baking soda down the drain and then flush it with a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain, as this prevents it from bubbling over. Wait half an hour and then flush with hot water. It might be necessary to repeat this process a few times, but it has proven to be extremely effective.

Plunger

Often, a plunger can be just as effective at clearing blocked drains as backed up toilets. Plunging will not work on mineral deposits or grease but will usually fix solid blockages.

Snake your drain

A severe drain blockage can usually be resolved with an electric eel, or plumbers snake. The coils will chip away to clear the blockages. However, as snakes do not always reach the full length of the pipes, they are best used at clogs close to the drain opening. Moreover, they can damage your pipes if not used properly.

Use a Hydro-Jet System

Hydro-Jet will create pressure via a stream of water to force the blockage out of your pipes. This method is less harmful than snaking; however, it does not clear blockages from solids. It is advisable to call a professional plumber rather than doing it yourself.

Caustic Cleaner

For years, caustic cleaners have been the preferred method of clearing blocked drains. However, these cleaners contain harmful (and toxic) chemicals that can cause serious damage. If you utilize one of these store-bought cleaners, make sure to protect your face and hands. When you are finished, flush your pipes with hot water to ensure that there is no remaining residue.

There are a lot of other methods to repair your drain. See this post for more tips.

3 Basement Waterproofing Methods for Toronto Area Homeowners

Posted on April 14, 2019March 7, 2020 by draincom

Basements are generally an important part of your home, whether you have a finished basement that you use to entertain yourself or it serves as a laundry room and storage area. Therefore, keeping it safe from water damage is of utmost importance. Most homeowners in the GTA are not aware of basement waterproofing methods to protect their homes from water damage, bug infestation, mold, and other issues that result from basement flooding.

We are going to highlight the top 3 methods for basement waterproofing Toronto help protect your home. It is best to hire a professional plumber to do the job to save yourself costly repairs in the future.

Top Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement

Following are some of the most common reasons why it is necessary to waterproof your basement.

Cracks in the walls or foundation of your basement

Condensation
Damaged or improper drainage systems
Gutters that have been installed improperly or poorly maintained

These issues could lead to such problems as mold or mildew growth, severe water damage, and even damage to the foundation of your home. It is best to make sure that your basement is properly waterproofed to prevent any of these issues.

Basement Waterproofing Methods

Following are the 3 most common methods of basement waterproofing. Consult your plumber for basement waterproofing cost in your area.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

This type of basement waterproofing is ideal at protecting your basement from groundwater. A professional plumber will install an interior footer drain around the footer in a trench that will allow the drain to move the water down to the point of drainage. Typically, the plumber will install a sump pump to ensure a good flow. Once the sump pump is installed, the drainage system will be first covered with gravel and then cemented.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

This method will protect your basement from surface water. The plumber will excavate the basement foundation and inspect and repair any cracks, weak spots, or other similar damages in the basement walls. Next, a sealer will be applied and a dimpled membrane will be wrapped around the foundation of the basement. Then, the new footer drain will be installed. They will finish off the job by coring it with gravel and soil. The final step is to ensure that the system drains away from the home.

Combination Systems

This method is a combination of the above-mentioned basement waterproofing methods. This type of waterproofing is ideal for those homes in which the basement has no outdoor access. Moreover, it is the best option if you experience issues with both surface water and groundwater.

Contact DrainCom to have your basement waterproofed by a professional. We will meet with you in your home to assess your basement to see which of the basement waterproofing methods will best to protect your home from water damage. Call us today for a free quote as well as advice on waterproofing your home.

How to Tell if Your City Water Pressure is Correct

Posted on April 8, 2019March 7, 2020 by draincom

Have you noticed that the water pressure in your home seems to decrease if you have two sources of water running at the same time? If watering your lawn decreases the water pressure in your shower, it could be because of the city water pressure.

How exactly does water pressure work? And, when is it time to contact a Toronto plumbing service if you notice any issues? Read on to find out more.

Facts about City Water Pressure

Toronto water pressure should be set to around 50-70 PSI (pounds per square inch). To measure the water pressure in your home, you can use a water pressure gauge, which you simply attach to one of the faucets in your home. These can be purchased from a local hardware store.

Those Toronto residents who get their water supply from a water grid (via the city or municipality), the water pressure is actually at a higher rate than standard home plumbing can accommodate. If your plumbing were connected directly to the water supply, your pipes would inevitably be damaged beyond repair.

So, how is the city water pressure regulated to prevent damage? A pressure reduction device should be installed between the city water pipes and the internal plumbing in order to reduce the water pressure so it will not cause any damage to your piping.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, water pressure is at a rate that is too low for those who get their home water supply from a well. It does not essentially pressurize at all if you pull your water directly from the ground. If your plumbing is hooked up to the well, it will have more pressure. However, if the water source is located above, such as on the second or third story, there will be little to no water pressure.

In this instance, you will need a pressure addition device that consists of a large tank into which your well water filters to get your water pressure to the correct level for your home plumbing system. However, both the pressure addition and pressure reduction devices will need to be replaced due to gradual wear and tear.

When you start to notice that your water pressure is either too high or too low, it is time to replace the aforementioned devices. Failure to do so could result in damage to your plumbing system. For those with a well, the well pump will burn out and there will be no water pressure. For those with city water pressure, you will start to notice increased water pressure, which could result in burst pipes and leaks in your plumbing.

At the first sign that the level of well or city water pressure is too high or too low, you should contact DrainCom. We will send out a licensed plumber to replace or repair any issues with your plumbing and water pressure.

How to Avoid Costly Garburator Repair: Tips & Tricks Every Homeowner Should Know

Posted on April 2, 2019March 10, 2020 by draincom

Is your garbage disposal acting up? Do you even have a garbage disposal in your kitchen? If not, is it worth the investment? And, what about garburator repair?

Both garburator and drain repair Toronto can be easily avoided if you follow a few simple rules to keep them running properly. In the following article, we shall highlight the advantages of having a garburator as well as how to keep them running properly.

How to Avoid Garburator Repair

Most homes in the Greater Toronto Area are already equipped with a working garbage disposal system. If your home does not already have a garbage disposal, you should seriously consider garburator install.

Benefits of an In-Home Garbage Disposal System

Your kitchen will smell better: Food odor will be immediately eliminated, as opposed to stinking up your kitchen as it sits rotting and decomposing in your garbage bin, which can cause your kitchen to have a rather unpleasant odor.
You will save money: A garburator will break down the food items that would otherwise clog your drain, which can lead to costly repairs.
Quicker clean up: You will be able to quickly dispose of crumbs, leftover food particles, and deposit them directly in your garbage disposal system.
Today’s garburators are safe: Unlike older garbage disposal systems, modern garbage disposals have a safety hatch that will prevent it from being accidentally turned on by children or pets once it has been properly secured.
Garbage disposals are eco-friendly: As it turns your waste into liquid that is not harmful to the environment, your garbage disposal system is eco-friendly.
Garburators require little to no maintenance: As they are designed to last for many years, garburators will not require a great deal of upkeep or maintenance.
Noise Reduction: Today’s garburators are much quieter than older garbage disposal systems. You will barely notice any noise as you are operating your garburator.

Tips to Avoid Garburator Repair and Safety Tips

Never put metal, strings, or bones in your garburator.
Do not put rubber, plastic or metal items in the system.
Always use a flow of strong, cold water when operating the system to prevent grease and so forth from clogging the disposal unit. Start the water before you turn on the system and do not turn it off until the garburator is no longer in operation.
Never clean the system with chemical drain cleaners or bleach.
Never put your hands (or any body parts) in the garburator!
Do not overfill the garbage disposal.
Use fresh lemon juice or a quart-sized lemon slice to deodorize your garburator.
Contact a plumber at the first sign of any trouble with your garbage disposal system.

If you are in need of assistance or garburator repair, contact DrainCom as soon as possible! We will send one of our licensed plumbers to make any repairs.

Month: April 2019