October 2019 - Draincom

How to Fix the Drain Pipe in Your Bathroom Sink

Posted on October 22, 2019November 18, 2019 by draincom

If you are like most people, you are probably more concerned with your kitchen sink than your bathroom sink. However, bathroom sinks can become clogged or suddenly spring a leak as well. In some cases, you can even fix the drain pipe without having to call a plumber.

The following guide will outline the steps for minor drain repair for bathroom sinks. Of course, if the problem is of a more serious nature, you will need to enlist the help of a professional plumber. Use this guide to help repair the drainage pipe in your bathroom sink.

Drain Pipe Repair: Simple Guide for Homeowners

Tools Needed:

Bucket
Clean Cloth
Flashlight
Pliers or Wrench
P-trap
Paper Towels
Plumber’s Putty
PVC piping
Stiff-bristled brush

How to Fix a Leaky Drain Pipe:

Point the flashlight at the sink drain pipe. Turn on the water and keep an eye on the pipes to pinpoint the leak. Holding a dry paper towel over each pipe for a few minutes can help find the source of the leak.
Carefully inspect the problem area to see if there are any loose fittings. If the coupling is tight but there is still a leak, detach the joint after unscrewing the coupling. Use a clean cloth to clean the pipe threads. Replace the fittings and gaskets before putting everything back together.
Loosen the nut under the basin that secures the sink basket using a wrench. Working from the top, insert pliers or a screwdriver through the cross-piece. Be sure to utilize one of the tools to hold the basin in place while you are working.
Remove the gasket putty from around the installation areas and use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the opening. Use hot and soapy water to rinse it off.
Remove the backing from the sink basket replacement gasket and center it directly over the drain hole. Firmly press it in place and then add the sink basket. Be sure not to damage the seal.
Installer the new washer (and tighten with a nut) onto the sink basket piece (below the bathroom sink). Add plumber’s putty to seal the threads. Finally, by hand-tightening only, attach the drain connection. Test by running a little warm water.

How to Replace the Sink Drain Pipe

In preparation, clear the area under the sink and turn off the water. Use a bright light to safely illuminate the area. Underneath the P-trap, a bucket should be placed.
On the end of the P-trap, loose out the couplings and gently remove them. Carefully lower the assembly while supporting it and then dump the water into the bucket.
Clean the drain pipe threads using soapy hot water and a stiff-bristle brush. Be sure to clean the pieces that are hanging down from the sink as well as those that are part of the main pipe. Use a clean rag to dry and remove any remaining residue.
Put together the new P-trap kit. Using the provided instructions, insert the gaskets and washer. Place the trap underneath the sink and secure on the ends by hand-tightening the couplings. Test it by running water through the pipes before removing the bucket.

Contact DrainCom if you need help fixing or replacing your drain pipe. We will send a certified plumber to take care of all your plumbing needs!

How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain: Tips for Homeowners

Posted on October 18, 2019April 25, 2020 by draincom

Clogged shower drains can be a major inconvenience. It can cause your shower or tub to back up as well as black sludge to build up in your shower or bathtub. While liquid solutions are not always effective, they can also be hazardous.

Showers can become clogged by mineral build-up, hair, dirt, soap, and other debris. If not resolved, it can cause damage to the pipes as well as the shower or bathtub itself. Here are some simple ways to clean clogged shower drains Mississauga.

How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain

Use the Tips on How to Clean a Clogged Shower Drain Before Calling a Plumber

Use a Plunger

Adding some petroleum jelly around the edge of the suction pad of the plunger will help give it a better seal. Make sure to plunge with a lot of vigor.

Keep in mind that plugging is not always effective, especially if the clog is caused by hair build-up. In most cases, it is not as effective in showers as in bathtubs due to the overall design.

Use a Plumber’s Snake

This is one of the most effective methods to clear a clogged drain. A plumber’s snake is also referred to as an electric eel.

Push the snake into the drain until it hits the clog. Turn the handle and carefully pull it back up. Turn on the water to see if the item clogging the drain has been completely eliminated.

Use a Hook

A wire hook (or coat hanger) can also be an effective way to remove a clog. However, this will not work if the issue is caused by a mineral build-up.

Remove the Drain Cover and Remove the Clog with Your Hand

Wear rubber gloves with this method to protect your hands. Remove the drain cover by screwing it off by hand or with a screwdriver if needed. Use a flashlight to locate the clog. Remove it by hand if possible. If not, try the above method.

Use Boiling Water to Unclog the Drain

This method is the best for breaking down grease or soap build-up. Boil a pot of water on the stove and carefully carry it over to the drain. Pour the water slowly and carefully down the drain so as not to spill it on yourself. This should dissolve the drain of any blockage. However, it may not work with hair build-up.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is a natural solution and is safer than using any of the alternative chemical methods. Moreover, it is safe for all types of piping material.

First, pour baking soda (1 cup) down the drain and wait for a few minutes so that it can settle down. Then add a cup of vinegar and wait for about an hour. Follow this with a pot of boiling water to fix the clogged drain.

If the above methods do not unclog the drain, you can resort to one of the store-bought chemicals. Keep in mind that these are extremely hazardous, so do not use them around children or pets. Always wear protective gear and follow the directions on the packaging.

If none of these methods on how to clean a shower drain have resolved the issue, contact DrainCom at 905-238-6800 for a Free Estimate and we will schedule a time for a licensed plumber to unclog your shower drain.

Sewer Repairs: Pros and Cons of Trenchless Sewer Replacement

Posted on October 15, 2019March 6, 2020 by draincom

Sewer repairs can be quite an inconvenience, but not as much as a damaged sewer line! It is true that the repair process can be costly and also cause a great deal of disruption in your everyday life. Trench digging is a tedious process. However, there is a better solution!

No-dig trenching is a feasible option for those who are in need of drain repair. Contact your local plumbing agency for an estimate as well as for regular drain cleaning Toronto.

In the following, we will highlight the pros and cons of trenchless or no-dig sewer repair. In addition, we will discuss the different methods of trenchless sewer line repairs.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repair: Is It Worth It?

Trenchless Pipe Bursting

In this method, a new pipe is put into place at the same time the bursting head is pulled out by the use of hydraulic equipment. This is achieved by accessing both ends of the drain.

Pros of Pipe Bursting

The damaged pipe will be replaced with an HDPE pipe, which is more durable than other types of sewer pipes.
Pipe bursting comes with a fifty-year warranty.
The new piping is an inch thicker than most existing pipes (4 inches as opposed to 3).
For the most part, pipe bursting is cheaper than standard trenching.
Pipe bursting will not damage the landscape of the yard.

Cons of Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is not as apt at bending or turning as standard trench piping.
If the second hole is located inside the home or on a busy street, it can be an issue.
If your existing sewer line has an irregular slope, the pipe bursting may not be able to resolve the issue.
If the current sewer pipe has collapsed, pipe busting is ineffective.
Pipe bursting will not work in sewer pipes that are less than 15 feet.

Trenchless Pipe Lining

Pipe lining or CIPP (cured in place pipe) uses the current pipe as a “host pipe.” However, for this method to be a success, the host pipe must be free of flat spots, scales, roots, and mechanical defects. For the cast-iron pipe, the pipe must be “descaled” before the new pipe can be installed.

Pros of Pipe Lining

Pipe lining is covered under a fifty-year warranty.
Pipe Lining is non-invasive.
Typically, it takes one to two days to complete the process.
Pipe lining lasts longer and is more cost-effective than standard trenching.
Only one hole of the sewer needs to be accessed for this method.

Cons of Pipe Lining

The design of the liner is not able to make multiple bends.
May not be able to be installed in pipes with a smaller diameter.
The cost of materials is high.
Most contractors do not offer pipe lining as an option.
Pipe lining is not effective if the pipe has collapsed.

Not sure if no-dig trenching is the best option for your sewer repair? Contact DrainCom for advice on trenchless drain replacement. Give us a call for any of your plumbing or sewer concerns.

How to Replace a Toilet: Easy Guide for Homeowners

Posted on October 12, 2019March 7, 2020 by draincom

If you have been a homeowner for any length of time, chances are you have experienced issues with your toilet. Almost certainly, you may have even had to install a new toilet. If not, you will most likely have to do so at some point in your life. But, do you know how to replace a toilet?

Toilet installation is not as complicated as you think. If you possess the required tools, you should have no problem installing the new toilet without the assistance of a professional plumber. The following guide shall give you steps on how to properly install a replacement toilet.

How to Replace a Toilet

Required Tools

Wax Ring
Torpedo level
Stainless steel washers
Screwdriver
Replacement toilet
Closet bolts
Adjustment wrench

Follow These Steps For How to Install a Toilet:

Remove the damaged (or old) toilet: Completely remove the old toilet as well as any remaining parts or debris. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.
Assemble the new toilet: Do not assemble the new toilet until you have removed the old one. The tank will give it added weight for better support. Check to see if the toilet kit you purchased has all the required tools and parts before you begin.
Inspect the flange: Take care to thoroughly inspect the flange to ensure that there are no cracks or such other damage. If you find any, you can purchase a flange repair kit at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Arrange closet bolts: Plumbers recommend that you use closet bolts that are self-adjusting. They are equipped with a white thread locker that will allow the stud to be deeply driven into the anchor nut after the hex nut has reached it. After slipping the closet bolts on both sides, move the lock washers. Make sure that they are flush and tight against the flange.
Place the wax ring: Either directly on the flange or the underside of the toilet, place and install the wax ring. This will ensure that it does not fall off or loosen from the flange. If the flange appears too low, you can install a wax ring with an extended height.
Position the toilet: Ensuring that it is properly lined up with the holes for the closet bolt, place and install the toilet by pressing it firmly and level to the floor.
Install nuts and washer: Insert the nylon and regular washers after positioning them over the bolts and tighten them on both sides by hand.
Ensure that the toilet is level: Using extreme care, check that the toilet is level both front to back and side to side. If this is not the case, using stainless steel washers (or pennies), shim the toilet until it is level. Tighten the closet bolt nuts (but not too tight). Finally, conceal them by installing the bolt caps.
Attach the water supply line to the toilet: Wrap the threads instead of using Teflon tape. Keep in mind that most toilets will need a ⅜ inch connector for the supply line.
Check the fill level: Ensuring that all the connections are correct, open up the supply valve and wait for the toilet to fill. Be sure to inspect thoughtfully for any leaks. Next, adjust the fill valve until the water level meets the fill line.
Caulk the base of the toilet (if needed). This will give it a polished look. Do not forget to leave a gap, or weep hole, as this will make it easier to find leaks.

If you require further assistance with how to replace a toilet, do not hesitate to call DrainCom! We can offer advice or send one of our experienced plumbers to help you with the process!

Month: October 2019