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How to Fix a Leaky Basement Wall from The Inside: Advice for Toronto Area Homeowners

Is it better to fix a leak from inside the basement or out? Is this a question you have been wondering about for some time? Have you been putting off basement repairs for some time now?

In this blog, we shall discuss the differences between interior and exterior basement waterproofing.

Leaky basement Toronto can lead to mold and mildew issues as well as damage to the structure of your home, which can lead to costly repairs if not resolved.

How to Fix a Leaky Basement from the Inside vs the Outside 

Leaky Basement from the Inside: How to Fix

How to Fix a Leaky Basement Interior: Pros 

  • Drywall will have to be removed to access the foundation of the basement.
  • Fixing the basement leak from the inside is less expensive than excavating and waterproofing the basement from the outside.
  • Waterproofing inside the home is not affected by outside weather conditions.
  • It is easier to pinpoint the source of the leak from the inside of the basement than out.
  • Internal waterproofing will completely fill the leak from the inside to the outside while outside waterproofing only patches a partial element outside the home.

What Is Interior Basement Waterproofing?

To fix an interior leak in the basement and to waterproof it against future leaks, a trained plumber will form a trench and install in it a footer drain to direct the water to the drainage point. In addition, a sump pump will be installed in most homes.

How to Fix a Leaky Basement from the Outside

How to Fix a Leaky Basement Exterior: Cons 

  • There is always a slight chance of the basement roof caving in during the excavation process.
  • More staff is involved in exterior waterproofing, so scheduling may be an issue.
  • There is more of a risk of issues due to human error exterior during basement waterproofing, such as cutting the gas line, etc.
  • Exterior basement waterproofing can cost up to three times as much as interior basement waterproofing.

What Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing?

Exterior basement waterproofing is more time-consuming and expensive than interior waterproofing, as it involves excavating the basement foundation to inspect for the source of the leak. It also involves removing and replacing the footer drain and covering the foundation of the basement with a dimpled membrane. 

Additional costs could incur to have the outside landscape repaired from the excavation process. Keep in mind that there may be delays, as any exterior work is dependent on the weather. 

As you can see, interior waterproofing is the preferred choice. However, exterior waterproofing or a combination of both interior and exterior waterproofing may be needed in some cases. 

If you have further questions about how to fix a leaky basement wall from the inside, contact the trained staff at Drain Com. We can advise you as to which form of basement waterproofing is best for your home. Call us today to schedule an assessment.

Ways to Thaw Frozen Pipes in House

Winter brings with it a great number of pesky problems, other than falling temperatures and snow. Icy roads, frozen walkways, and frozen pipes in house are just some things that occur during a cold spell. Frozen pipes can be a real issue for homeowners in Toronto.

Frozen pipes in your home can be a serious issue. It can lead to such problems as burst pipes and leaks or even house fires. In the following article, we will discuss what to do if you experience frozen pipes before you enlist the help of plumbers Toronto.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes in House

Follow these steps on how to fix frozen pipes:

  • Locate the frozen pipe

Obviously, the first step in thawing a frozen pipe is to determine where it is. Start by turning on every faucet. If there is just a small trickle of water or none at all, one of the pipes that leads to that faucet is most likely frozen. 

You should be able to detect a frozen pipe by a slight bulge in the pipes. Moreover, you may notice frost formed on the pipe in question.

  • Open the faucet

The first step to thaw frozen pipes in house is to open the faucet. This includes both the hot and cold faucets in order to relieve any built-up pressure in the piping system and allow water to start flowing once the pipe has thawed.

  • Try thawing exposed frozen pipes using one of these methods:

**Start the process toward the faucet and then work toward the blockage. This ensures that the steam and melted ice will escape through the faucet so it will not get stuck in the pipes and cause them to burst.

  • Hot Towels

Wrap towels that have been dipped in water around the exposed pipe to help thaw the frozen pipe.

  • Electrical Heating Tape

Applying electrical heating tape directly to the pipe will distribute heat evenly throughout the pipe. Electrical heating tape may be purchased that shuts off by itself or that requires to be plugged in and unplugged when needed. 

  • Hair Dryer

This is perhaps the easiest method to defrost frozen pipes in house. Point the hairdryer at the pipe, starting with the area nearest the faucet. Take care that you do not come in contact with water when using the hairdryer.

  • Portable Heater/Heat Lamp

Using a heat lamp or portable space heaters can also help to thaw frozen pipes in house. By positioning the heater or heat lamp so it reaches the frozen pipe, it should help it to thaw rather quickly. Always take safety precautions and do not use a heating device near water.

Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes in House

  • Do not turn off the heat
  • Do not close interior doors in your home
  • Let the faucets have a slow drip
  • Additional insulation in the home
  • Seal/Caulk or repair any holes

Contact a plumber for assistance if you are unable to locate the frozen pipe, if any of the above methods do not thaw the pipe, or if you are unable to safely reach the blockage. Call a plumber immediately if the pipe bursts.

If you are having problems with frozen pipes in house, contact the expert staff at Drain Com. We can assist you with frozen, damaged, or leaky pipes as well as any other plumbing issues.

What is the Best Basement Waterproofing System for My Home?

In most homes, basements play an important role. Whether you utilize your basement for storage, a laundry area, or you have a finished basement that you use for entertainment, it is important to protect your basement from flooding. So, what is the best basement waterproofing system?

Basement waterproofing not only protects your basement (and by extension, your home) from flooding, but it also prevents the issues that arise from flooding, such as bug infestation, water damage, and mold issues. Following are the top three methods that Canadian homeowners use to waterproof their basements.

What is the Best Basement Waterproofing System?

What is Basement Waterproofing?

First of all, you may want to know what is basement waterproofing and why it is necessary. Waterproofing your basement consists of materials and methods to prevent water from flooding your basement and causing a plethora of issues, such as mold and mildew growth, water damage, and bug and/or rodent infestation.

Such issues as cracks in the basement walls, damaged drainage systems, or poorly maintained gutters are some main reasons why it is a good idea to waterproof your basement. Moreover, if you notice increasing amounts of condensation in your basement, basement waterproofing may be needed.

Three Effective Methods of Basement Waterproofing

  • Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Exterior basement waterproofing is the most effective method to protect your basement from surface water. In this process, an experienced plumber will excavate the foundation of the basement inspecting for weak spots, cracks, or other issues. They will first repair the issue and then apply sealer. Next, they will wrap the dimpled membrane around the basement foundation and install a new footer drain. Finally, they will clean up the landscaping by covering it with soil and gravel while ensuring the drainage runs away from your home rather than into your basement. 

  • Interior Basement Waterproofing

Interior basement waterproofing will protect your home and your basement from groundwater. A trained and certified plumber will first install a footer drain in a trench that will ensure that water moves downward to the drainage point as opposed to into your basement area. In most cases, a sump pump will be installed before they cover the drainage system with gravel and cement.

  • Combination Waterproofing for Basements

As the name infers, this method combines interior and exterior basement waterproofing and is best for those homes that do not have access to the outdoors or those homes that have previously had problems with both groundwater and surface water. 

It is best to hire a professional plumber to ensure that your basement is waterproofed properly to protect your home.

Contact Drain Com if you have any further questions as to what is the best basement waterproofing system. We can meet with you in your home for a free consultation and give you an estimate for the process.

Toronto Plumbers How to Find Plumbers Near Me

At one time or another, every homeowner has had to hire a plumber whether to fix a leaky faucet or unclog a bathroom toilet. But, with so many plumbing companies to choose from, how does one find the best plumber? Keep reading to find out how to find plumbers near me.

We will advise you on how to search for plumbers Toronto as well as what questions you should ask before making your final decision. 

Plumbers Near Me: How to Find the Best Plumbing Company in Toronto

Finding a plumber is more than just hiring the first plumbing company you find online. You need to do some research to make sure you will find a reliable and affordable plumber with the necessary training, experience, and certifications to complete the job. Following are some ways to find the best plumbers Toronto.

  • Word of Mouth

One of the best ways to find a trustworthy plumber is by word of mouth. You can confer with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to find out which plumbing companies they have used previously. Moreover, you can ask other professionals or businesses which companies they use for plumbing.

Word of mouth will give you unbiased feedback on such things as rates, professionalism, proficiency, and so on. People give more feedback in person than in an online review and also are more open when they are speaking to someone they know. Therefore, they will not steer you wrong.

  • Online Research

It is always a good idea to investigate several plumbing companies before you make your final decision. Read the reviews on the company website to get a general idea about their service. However, you should also read reviews on other sites. Besides, you will find out that these sites tend to give more honest and unbiased reviews.

Another way to check if a plumbing company is reputable is to check with the Better Business Bureau. This will keep you informed on any issues, complaints, and conflicts with each plumbing company. 

What to Look for in Plumbers Near Me

  • Are they professional?

One of the best ways to determine if a company is trustworthy is to get a feel for their customer service. Do they sound professional? Knowledgeable? Did they try to hurry you off the phone? A reputable plumber will take the time to answer all of your questions in a courteous and professional manner.

  • Are they willing to provide references?

A company that is willing to stand behind their reputation will not hesitate to give you some references. Refusal to do so might be a red flag.

  • Are they fully licensed and insured?

Before you hire a plumbing company, it is imperative that you make sure that any licensing, certification, and insurance policies are up to date. This can prevent a great deal of time, hassle, and costs in the future should any issues arise.

  • Do they offer a warranty for their services?

A reputable plumbing company will provide a guarantee for their services. Always read the warranty in full, make sure you comprehend the terms, and ask any questions before signing anything. 

  • Will they provide a free estimate?

One of the telltale signs that a company is trustworthy is that they will be willing to provide you with a free estimate for their services. 

If you are still confused as to how to find plumbers near me, feel free to give us a call at DrainCom. We will gladly answer any questions you may have as well as offer you a free quote for our services. Call us today for all of your plumbing issues.

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