Month: September 2016

If you’re handy around the house you may be able to handle many plumbing tasks on your own. However, the more complex projects or reoccurring problems may require a professional Victoria plumber who has the level of skill and knowledge required to complete the task correctly.

Truth is as plumbers, we see many projects that have gone array due to a do it yourselfer that has got in over their head. What should you tackle on your own and what needs a pro?

Do it yourself plumbing tasks:

This is more like a thorough plumbing inspection. Many problems occur gradually over time and if you catch them early you’ll save yourself a tonne of money, time and energy dealing with a large repair in the long run. Here is a list of items to inspect.

1. Look for signs of leaks – Look at all the exposed piping and run the taps while trying to spot a leak. Also feel around the area for any signs of moisture. If left too long leaks can cause structural damage by rotting out wood and drywall. Mold and mildew can also build up making your home an unhealthy place to be.
2. Run taps and look for slow drainage- If any of the drains are running slow, it can be a clog waiting to happen. Simply use boiling water or a drain cleaner to clean it out. If the problem persists, it’s time to call a plumber.
3. Assess water pressure- a little variance from tap to tap is normal, but if you have a slow tap it could be a symptom of a bigger problem.
4. Flush toilet and watch for signs of water leakage- If your toilet is not sitting perfectly on top of the wax seal you should see signs of water coming out the bottom of the toilet where it meets the floor. This definitely needs a plumber as soon as possible. Nobody wants toilet water getting into the floor boards.

In the next blog post, we’ll explain when it’s time to call a plumber.

Being that many homes in Victoria BC were built before the 1970’s, there will be a time when your bathroom needs some plumbing attention. But when will that time come? This article will discuss 5 signs that should have you thinking about some repairs.

Knocking Pipes

If your pipes are knocking when you run the water it usually means loose support straps or high water pressure. Both of these can mean problems, because the pipes are banging around just waiting to spring a leak.

Low Water Pressure

This could be a simple matter of a clogged faucet or showerhead. If so it can be fixed by placing a bag of vinegar over it for a couple of hours. If the problem persists it means there is a bigger issue, like clogged pipes, burst pipe, or a water heater that’s not functioning properly. Victoria generally has low calcium deposits in the water so it shouldn’t be a reoccurring clog in the faucet.

Constant Dripping

When you shut your tap off the water should stop, if not you have a problem. The issue could be a valve, pressure or drainage. Continual dripping can turn into bigger problems if left, so take care of the problem before it turns into something major and majorly expensive.

Slow Drainage

Do you have a drain that’s clogged and you’ve tried the classic boiling water and drain cleaners and it persists? If so, you may have a bigger issue. It could be a broken pipe or pooled water in the main drain. The pooled water issue can be bad for your health so make sure you have looked at by a professional plumber in Victoria who also offers drain cleaning.

Hot Water Runs Cold

It’s completely normal for your water to take a few minutes to heat up the first time you use it in the morning and to run cold after a long time of running hot water if you’ve drained the tank, however if it runs cold after only a few minutes there is definitely a problem. It could be a  leak in the tank or a broken thermostat. Either way this is something a professional and knowledgeable plumber needs to handle.

If your bathroom is experiencing any of these 5 signs, it’s time to call our plumbers today.