Winter Plumbing Tips

As a homeowner plumbing problems are bad news and even bigger problems happen as the temperature drops here in Victoria BC. Spending time to go through the following checklist could prevent some unexpected problems this winter.

  • Fix all plumbing leaks. Add freezing temperatures to any water leaks and you have a recipe for disaster. To prevent future problems do a visual check of all pipes indoors as well as outside. Stopping any leaks now can save your plumbing as well as money.
  • Insulate pipes. Check the attic, crawl space, garage, anywhere pipes might be subject to freezing temperatures. If you can see them wrap them in plumbing insulation foam, insulating pipes is very effective when it comes to preventing frozen pipes.
  • Outdoor taps. It’s very important to protect taps outdoors that are even more exposed to cooler temperatures. Remember to disconnect garden hoses in the event water left in the hose freezes which could affect the tap. Drain any water from the garden hose itself before storing it for the winter.
  • Sprinkler systems. Winterize the underground sprinkler system by turning off the water then flushing out any collected water. Lastly turning on each individual valve in the system will rid the system of water that could freeze.
  • Locate your water main. Do you know where your main water shutoff is located? This one piece of information could save you tens of thousands of dollars in water damage restoration and flood cleanup. In the event you experience a burst water pipe you’ll be able to quickly turn off the water and minimize damage. You might choose to ignore the tips listed above or follow through with all of them. If you only do one thing on the list make sure you know where the water shutoff is located keeping access free of clutter.

If you have any questions regarding these tips or if we can be of service, call us today.

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Drains

Sooner or later it happens and you wind up with a clogged drain in one of your sinks. Let’s face it those drains are subject to all manner of things whether it’s hair, grease, lint or even some unknown object that can create a clog. In a misguided attempt to save a few dollars we try to deal with the problem ourselves with mixed results. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid.

  1. The garden hose. Some people believe the added pressure of a garden hose will clear the clogged drain. So they drag that dirty garden hose inside connect it to the tap and blast away. Apart from the mess this DIY fix creates you could wind up damaging the pipes.
  2. Drain augers. This equipment can be useful but probably best left in the hands of a professional. Otherwise you could end up damaging your pipes and this tool is not very useful for larger piping.
  3. Chemical drain cleaners. Commercial drain cleaners rely on harsh chemicals to clear drains and all too often don’t deliver as promised. If an obstruction is the problem they are completely useless.
  4. Coat hangers. It should go without saying using a wire coat hanger you’ve straightened out is a no, no. An ineffective solution to clearing drains it’s possible for it to become stuck and cause more damage.
  5. Fix it yourself. Dealing with plumbing problems is better left to an experienced plumber. A qualified professional can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and could save you money in the long run.

Having your pipes cleaned and inspected on an annual basis will spot problems with your drains. We’d like to be the company you call when you require reliable plumbing and drain cleaning services, contact us today. Besides yearly maintenance we’ve got you covered anytime for any emergency situations that occur.