4 Tips to Help Reduce the Risk of Burst Pipes

When you live in an area where there are long, frigid winters and short, hot summers, you have to worry about burst pipes on a regular basis. Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in no time at all, so it’s important to know how to minimize the risk of this happening with your plumbing Markham. Here are four ways to help reduce the risk of burst pipes in your home.

Keep One or Two Faucets Running:

Keeping one or two faucets running when temperatures drop below freezing can help prevent pipes from bursting. Running water at a steady pace helps keep water flowing and prevents it from freezing inside your pipes. A possible disadvantage is that you could end up wasting more water, especially if you have any leaks in the plumbing Markham. You might want to cut down on other household water usage during this time to save money.

Try to Bring in Warm Air to the Colder Areas of Your Home:

It's important to try and bring in warm air into colder areas of your home, as it will help keep the pipes from freezing. This can be done by opening windows and doors that lead outside, or by using a space heater. If you do use a space heater, make sure it is not too close to any objects that are made from fabrics or materials that can catch fire. The next best solution is a fireplace. Once you light the wood on fire, all of those heat waves will naturally spread out throughout the room and surrounding area.

Add Insulation to the Outer Walls Containing Pipes:

Another way you can help reduce the risk of burst pipes is by adding insulation to the outer walls that contain pipes. The insulation also helps protect your pipes from freezing in cold weather. This will also insulate your home, which in turn keeps it warmer and more energy efficient. Even if you do have a pipe burst, it will help contain the water so it doesn't flood other areas of your home. If you're considering adding insulation to your walls, talk with an emergency plumber Markham before proceeding with any work.

Disconnect the Hose From the Outdoor Faucet:

One of the most common causes for a burst pipe is the water pressure being too high, which can happen when someone leaves a hose connected to an outdoor faucet. To help reduce this risk, disconnect your hose from your outdoor faucet before shutting off the water. Consider installing an indoor shut-off valve near your outside spigot.

Water damage from burst pipes can cause expensive and frustrating problems in the home. While there isn’t much you can do about the temperature fluctuations of winter and summer, the tips mentioned above can help protect your pipes and reduce the risk of bursting pipes. Talk to a plumber if you have any questions on burst pipes, drain repair Markham or anything else.

Are You Wondering If You Have a Clogged Drain? Here Are Some Telltale Signs

Has your sink been backing up, causing your dishes to pile up? Do you smell a foul odor coming from under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom? If so, you may have a clogged drain on your hands, and you should act fast before it gets worse! A drain that has been clogged can cause more damage than one might expect. Clogs can become serious in nature if they’re not dealt with quickly and thoroughly. A plumbing Markham expert lists some telltale signs that you have a clogged drain.

Bad Odor From the Drains:

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your drains, it's likely because they're clogged. When water can't flow freely through the drain, it starts to stagnate and create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. These bacteria can cause all sorts of problems, including bad odors. If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains, it's time to take action and clear the blockage. It’s ideal to hire an expert for drain repair in Markham.

Slow Drains:

If your drains are draining slower than usual, it's probably because they're starting to get clogged. When hair, soap scum, and other debris build up in your drains, they can start to slow down. If you notice your drains taking longer to clear out, it's time to give them a good cleaning. There are a few different ways to do this. You can use hot water and baking soda or vinegar to loosen the gunk inside the pipes. You could also try using a plunger to unclog the pipes.

Toilet Doesn't Flush:

If your toilet doesn't flush properly, it could be a sign that your drain is clogged. If water starts backing up into your toilet bowl or drains slowly, you probably have a blockage somewhere in your system. Another sign that your toilet isn't flushing properly is if the water level in the bowl drops after each flush. This means that the water isn't draining as quickly as it should be and is an indication of a partial blockage.

There's Gurgling Noises:

You know that feeling when you flush the toilet and suddenly the water starts making all sorts of gurgling noises? That's usually a sign that there's something blocking the flow of water in your plumbing Markham. If you notice this happening, it's time to take a closer look at your drains. One way to check for potential blockages is by pouring a few cups of water down your sink or tub drain. If the water seems like it's just sitting at the bottom instead of draining away, then there might be an issue with your plumbing system or one of your sinks.

You only have to do routine maintenance on your drains every few months or so. But when something happens, you’ll need to know whether your sink or shower drain has become clogged. Enlist the help of a professional emergency plumber Markham qualified in drain cleaning and repair.

5 Unexpected Causes of an Emergency Plumbing Situation

Finding yourself in an emergency plumbing situation can be incredibly stressful if you don’t know what to do next. How long do you have to wait? Do you need to call someone right away or can you wait until morning? Are you allowed to do the repairs yourself? These are all valid questions, and hiring an emergency plumber can make your life easier during one of these stressful situations, especially if you know what some of the most common plumbing emergencies are and how to react when they arise. Here are five unexpected causes of an emergency plumbing situation that might help prepare you before they happen.

Blocked Drains

A blocked drain is one of the most common causes of an emergency plumbing in Markham. When drains become blocked, it can cause water to back up and overflow, which can lead to serious damage to your home. If you suspect that your drain is blocked, you should call a plumber right away for drain repair in Markham. Drain repair services are typically covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy so there won’t be any out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Burst Pipes

One of the most common causes of an emergency plumbing situation is a burst pipe. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but usually it's because the water pressure in the pipe gets too high and causes the pipe to burst. If you have a burst pipe, you'll need to call an emergency plumber in Markham right away to get it fixed. But if you don't know what caused the pipe to burst, they may not be able to fix it. Drain repair is another major cause of emergency plumbing situations. Drain pipes are typically made from PVC or copper that have holes drilled through them. The problem with these pipes is that they're easy for clogs to form when hair or other particles block up the pipe.

Leaking Taps

A leaking tap is one of the most common causes of an emergency plumbing situation. If left unchecked, a leaking tap can cause extensive damage to your home, and it can also lead to higher water bills and wasted water. You might not be aware that you have a leak if it’s happening slowly over time.

Leaking Toilets

A leaky toilet is one of the most common causes of an emergency plumbing situation. If you notice water pooling around your toilet or water seeping through the cracks in your bathroom floor, it's time to call a plumber. A drain repair may be necessary to fix the problem.

Overflowing Showers

One of the most common causes of an overflowing shower is a clogged drain. When hair and soap build up in the drain, it can cause a backup that leads to water spilling out onto the bathroom floor. If you have a clogged drain, try using a plunger or snake to clear it before calling a plumber.

Why Is My Shower Head Clogged

A clogged shower head can become annoying over time, and it’s one of those problems that seem harder to solve than they actually are. Sometimes you might feel like you’re the only person in the world who has this problem, but in reality, clogged shower heads are extremely common! The following list of causes of clogged shower heads, from drain cleaning Markham  experts, will help you understand what might be causing your own shower head to clog up. Here we go!

Rust

One of the most common causes of clogged shower heads is rust. Make sure your shower head isn’t located in an area where it can be easily exposed to water, like a place that gets splashed by bathwater, rain or hard water. Check under and behind your shower head regularly to ensure that no corrosion has occurred. If you do find rust, try using a product like CLR or a similar acid-based remover.

Dirt

The most obvious cause of a clogged shower head is hair, soap scum and other grime. Cleaning your shower with a mild cleanser will get rid of that debris and help keep your shower head clear for much longer. If you’re worried about how often you should clean your shower head, remember that it’s not something you should do on a daily basis. But once every few months should be enough to keep it free from gunk.

If you have hard water in your home, try using vinegar or baking soda instead of harsh chemicals like bleach; they’ll still cut through dirt but won’t strip away any rubber parts on your shower head. If nothing seems to work, maybe you should replace your shower head. Please seek the assistance of a plumber Markham to choose the right shower head.

Sediment

Hard water and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium can accumulate in your shower head. This is a bit more expensive to fix than most other clogs, but if you’re handy with tools, you should be able to fix it yourself. The first step is disassembling your shower head; then use a pipe cleaner or small brush (you can buy one specifically for cleaning shower heads) to clear away all that gunk.

Algae

If you’re noticing a thick layer of green sludge at the bottom of your shower, you have algae to blame. Algae is a natural substance that comes from water left in contact with copper or other minerals, or can come from excessively hot showers. Algae-induced clogs are likely to stick around longer than others, so call in an emergency plumber Markham if it doesn’t clear up on its own.

5 Ways to Handle Drain Problems

Drain problems seem to crop up at the most inconvenient times. When you have drain problems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and like there’s nothing you can do to fix them…but that’s not true! Whether you need help figuring out why your sink or tub won’t drain or how to clear a clogged toilet, our plumber Markham has 5 ways to handle drain problems so you can get on with your routine.

Keep Your Drains Clear

To keep plumbing issues from cropping up, get in a regular routine of clearing drains. Every month, flush your sink with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar (or white vinegar if you prefer). This will not only keep your drains clear but also neutralize odors that build up over time. If you do experience a clog, try pouring boiling water down the drain; it usually works like magic. If nothing seems to work, it’s better to call in a professional specialized in drain cleaning Markham.

Unplug the Sink

Even a simple clog can lead to major damage in your plumbing system. First, unplug both ends of your sink and run water through it for 20 minutes to make sure all food scraps or other blockages are cleared out. Next, grab an auger, a long metal pole, and run it down your drain while someone flushes water through from above.

Use a Plunger

Plungers are probably your best bet. You can try a few different plunging techniques, too—push straight down and then pull back up quickly, twist in a circular motion before pushing down, or push down and then pull back up slowly. If you don’t feel like plunging manually, you could use an auger.

 Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you’re dealing with a slow drain, you might be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. While it will clear your drain fast, it can also harm your pipes. When used incorrectly or too frequently, these products can do serious damage. In fact, even regular use of these products can lead to corrosion of your pipes.

Call in the Pros

Most drain problems are best handled by a professional. It’s not that common DIY fixes won’t work; it’s just that they may require extensive knowledge and expertise to execute effectively, and even then there’s no guarantee of success. If you aren’t well versed in plumbing, call in a professional emergency plumber Markham. You may be surprised at how affordable it is.

Avoid Future Clogs

Run your garbage disposal for 30 seconds after each use. Keep a basket in your sink for hair accessories and other small objects that can clog up your drain. Always use cold water when washing dishes. Don’t pour grease down a sink or garbage disposal; instead, allow it to cool and solidify before disposing of it in an appropriate container. When a problem pops up, please call in a professional and get it fixed ASAP.

Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Water Heater

Replacing your water heater may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it could actually lead to frequent repairs and likely to cost you more in the long run. However, that doesn’t mean you have to replace your water heater right away. There are several signs that indicate it’s time to take action on this project. Keep an eye on the following tell-tale signs that indicate it’s time to replace your water heater ASAP.

Leaking Water

If you notice water leaking from your water heater, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with it. While water heaters do need routine maintenance and occasional repair work, replacing them can be very expensive, so knowing when they are nearing failure is important. Leaking water indicates that there’s a problem with your tank, which can cause potential damage to your property as well as higher utility bills due to increased utility usage. Call your plumber Markham and find out whether you need a replacement or repair.

Uneven Temperature around the House

If you find that different rooms in your house have drastically different water temperatures, it’s time for a replacement. Instead of turning up the heat in one room or using more blankets in another, you should look into replacing your heater with a newer model. You’ll save energy and money.

Unusual Noises Coming From the Tank

If you hear loud banging or hissing noises coming from your water heater, it may be time for a replacement. These sounds indicate that there is something wrong with your tank, such as corrosion. Your tank could be leaking, and no home should be without running water for long periods of time. Even if there isn’t an actual leak present, these noises are indicators that you need a replacement soon. Contact an emergency plumber Markham if you hear strange and unusual noises emanating from your water heater.

The Temperature Setting Doesn't Have an Effect on the Hot Water Supply

If your water heater has started to show its age, a problem with temperature settings may be present. If you find that there is no change in temperature when you turn up or down your thermostat, then it’s time for a replacement. Additionally, if hot water doesn’t seem to come out at all, then something has gone wrong internally and replacement is necessary.

Leaky Pipes From Underneath the Home

If you notice your water bill skyrocketing, it’s possible that a leak has formed underneath your home. This can indicate that it’s time for a water heater replacement. If you aren’t sure what to look for when attempting to find these leaks, don’t worry; your plumber Markham can help with an inspection. Or better yet, make an appointment before those leaks become too serious and potentially cause damage or injury in your home.

Malfunctioning water heaters can be dangerous. So, if you notice any of these signs, please call your plumber and have the heating system checked. A professional can suggest the right solution.