Archive for December, 2014

Prevent Frozen Pipes When You Travel for the Holidays

December 31, 2014Frozen PipesLeave a comment

While going away on the holidays is a fun for the family, it is is necessary to leave your home in the safest condition possible so that when you return, it is still in one piece. While you might be quick to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries, it is equally important to address the plumbing in the home to avoid major damage and unnecessary expense to yourself. Living in a cold climate such as that of Toronto, can lead to frozen and burst water pipes that are expensive to repair. It is far wiser to take these simple steps to prevent you from having to deal with the trauma of frozen pipes – or worse – on your return from holiday celebrations.

Burst Water Pipes Burst Your Wallet

The harsh and extreme winters that we face in Toronto can cause water to freeze up in your pipes (Remember last year? It was the worst polar vortex in 100 years!) Frozen pipes that burst can cause your home to flood, and unless it is dried up within the first 24 hours, may lead to significant and costly damage and in the long term, mold. Your water bill will also increase significantly with every drop of water wasted. You will incur costs in repairing and replacing damaged household goods. While you are most likely insured, it is preferable to prevent this type of damage in order to save money, hassle and inconvenience.

Rather Safe than Sorry

Our master plumber recommends a number of precautions that you can take in order to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Implementing these strategies will go a long way towards saving your water pipes and avoiding the unnecessary waste of water.

You can install an emergency water shut-off device, which turns off the water supply in the event of a burst pipe.
Insulate the external condensing pipe of your hot water heater, as this can slow down the process of frozen pipes.
You must get your City of Toronto licensed plumber to service your heating system or boiler at least once every 12 months to ensure that the system is working efficiently and to slow down the process of water freezing in your home. Make sure the thermostat is not faulty and speak to a qualified plumber about the merits of adding antifreeze to your the boiler.
Insulating your external pipes might not be enough to prevent the water from freezing. You may want to consider adding additional trace heating by wrapping the thermostat with the trace heating under the lagging.
Not all older water storage tanks are insulated. Get your plumber to check the tank and add a hot water jacket to it, if necessary.
Try to generate as much warm air in your home as possible by leaving the bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to permit warmer air to circulate around the pipes..
Replace old washers on any dripping faucets to prevent freezing water from blocking the pipes.
If possible, shut off the supply of water to any outside faucets and drain the system, as this will help slow down the process of water freezing in these pipes. Be sure to drain any hoses and roll them up for the winter.

Implementing the above steps can go a long way towards preventing hassles when you return home from holiday celebrations or visits. As an added precaution, if you’re planning on being away from home for more than 2 days, you could always ask a friendly neighbor to check in on your house while you are away. This should ensure that you come back to an intact home and you a ready take on the next year with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Anta Plumbing offers a range of plumbing inspection and winterization services to help protect your plumbing this winter.

Tips For A Healthy Septic System

December 29, 2014Septic SystemLeave a comment

Looking after your septic system saves you money, keeps your neighbors happy and takes care of our environment. Day-to-day use can cause wear and tear to the septic system, and unless it is properly maintained, will have an adverse effect on your wallet and cause major damage to your property. If we all do our bit, then we can help to preserve Mother Nature.

Stick to the Basics and You Will be Fine

A poorly maintained septic system will lead to backups, which will contaminate streams, lake water and rivers with chlorides, chemicals, nitrates and harmful bacteria. Anta Plumbing master plumbers recommend that you adopt the following strategies to help you can avoid malfunctions and damage, and prolong the lifespan of your home’s septic system.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners on your drains, as they contain harmful ingredients that will harm your septic system and the environment. Pine or ammonia-based cleaners as they will also disturb the pH balance of the water and cause harm to the environment. Rather look for biodegradable, natural cleaning materials that are less harmful to the environment and to your septic tank.

Never discard medicines down your drains. Antibiotics are especially dangerous to your septic system and to our planet asthey contaminate water that could be used for drinking. Rather discard medications in their containers, or return them to a pharmacy to follow the appropriate methods for discarding of medicines correctly.

Divert floor drains in your garage away from your septic system, especially if you use your garage for handiwork, which involvesworking with substances such as sawdust, oil, fuel and gas. All of these substances cause major blockages blockages in the septic system. Instead, sweep up sawdust and other dirt and dispose of it via regular garage disposal methods. Spilled oil needs to be removed from the floors and disposed of in the garbage too. You can use old newsprint to blot up oil spills, and discard the paper in the bin.

Liquid laundry detergent is better for your septic system than powdered detergent, as it is less likely to clog up the septic system. Additionally, you should minimize the amount of water that is flushed into your septic system. Rather do a load of washing every two days instead of doing it all in one day. This will place less strain on your septic system and prolong its lifespan.

Fats, oils and grease contribute to 40% of blocked drains in most households.. Rather drain any excess oil and fat and dispose of it another way. The fats tend to clog up the system and this will slow down the breaking down of bacteria in the system.

Use high-efficiency fixtures (low-flow toilets and high-efficiency shower heads)to prevent additional strain on the system. You can save lots of water over the year and this will also save money on your utility bill, and protect your septic system as it places less strain on the septic system.

Keep acid compounds and bleach away from the toilet as these kill the microorganisms which are actually good for the water.
Some people like to add additives to the septic system. This is not a good idea as it actually harms rather than helps the system. While they do remove solids from the system, the solids end up blocking the disposal field, causing the system to stop functioning as it should. .

Anta Plumbing offers septic system installation, maintenance and repair services, as well as a wide range of drain and emergency plumbing services. Call us today to discuss your needs.

It May Be Time for Professional Drain Cleaning

December 23, 2014Drain CleaningLeave a comment

Supermarket shelves, hardware stores and plumbing supply outlets are stocked to capacity with chemical drain cleaners to make DIY drain cleaning simple. The internet is another source of simple, chemical-free drain cleaning solutions, such as the coat-hanger trick, plunger tips, the bicarbonate of soda recipe and much, much more. But let’s face it – these tips only go so far.

When a clog is past the drain hole, trap, and into the wall, it can be hard to remove. Manual drain cleaning success is limited to small, acute clogs, rather than those major clogs that have been building for months. If your shower drain is slow-draining, it could be because of hair clogging the trap and that’s easily fixed in about 10 minutes. Similarly, if an object is clogging your toilet, it can be removed and work as good as new again.

The problem comes in when your clog is caused by a more serious issue, such as:

serious clogs from FOGs (fat, oil and grease) on the inside of the pipe walls.
roots in drains that are obstructing the flow of waste water.
collapsed pipes.

When you’ve done all you can, and still see the symptoms of drain issues, you may require professional drain cleaning services.

It May Be Time for Professional Drain Cleaning, If…

Your Tub, Shower, Sink or Toilet Drain Slowly

As a homeowner, you must always expect the worst-case scenario when it comes to your drains, because the situation can escalate in now time. It can literally go from bad to worse in a single flush.

Slow drains can be caused by several issues, including broken or damaged pipes, grease buildup, narrowed pipes, or improper grading.

You Have More Than One Clogged Drain

If more than one of your fixtures becomes clogged at the same time, you more than likely have a major clog on the main line somewhere. If that’s the case, you won’t be able to remove it with any of the DIY solutions we mentioned above. At best, a domestic drain snake or auger might reach, if it is not too deep.

Water is Flooding Your Home

Sewer backups are horrible, especially when they flood your basement, or the area around your floor drain. It is, however, a good indication that you have a clog and that, unless you deal with it promptly, the drain will stop working completely. Greater flooding is imminent, as is property damage.

You Experience Recurring Clogs

Hair in the drains can cause recurring clogs, especially in the bathroom. If you always have to remove hair from the drain, it means that you’re not managing to remove the whole clog, which is why it keeps on recurring.

There’s a Bad Odor Coming From Your Drains

Bad odors that persistently emanate from your drains indicate a serious drainage problem, which needs to be handled professionally. It usually means that pollutants in your sewer system have built up and are leaking gases into your home. In many cases, drain cleaning can remove the odor, but sometimes you may need to replace or repair broken sewer pipes.

It is important to get in touch with professional Toronto plumbers when you experience any of the above issues. Get it touch with Anta Plumbing, your local experts who are proudly serving the community with residential and commercial drain snaking, hydro jetting and other drain services.

How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink Drain in the Wall

December 15, 2014drainLeave a comment

Recently, we’ve had many calls from people wanting to know how they could remove clogs from their bathroom sink drains. Some have tried some of the methods recommended online, or by friends, and ended up having to call us in. Today, we’re going to separate the good advice from the bad and give you some great DIY bathroom drain unclogging tips.

If you’ve tried to unclog your bathroom sink using a plunger to no effect, it could well be that the clog is located in the p-trap, which is located underneath the sink, usually inside the vanity.

When cleaning the p-trap still doesn’t work, the clog is likely deeper inside the drain, inside the wall, and it will require more elbow grease and a whole lot of patience.

Let’s take a look at some of the recommended methods:

● Baking Soda + Salt + Vinegar + Hot Water

This method is usually very efficient for minor blockages close to the drain hole and into the p-trap. If the clog has not been building for a long time, it may even remove a deeper clog. However, clogs inside the wall usually build over time, and you will see your water draining slower and slower.

● Coat Hanger Snake

Some people combine the baking soda method with a coat hanger to try pull accumulated gunk out of main drainpipes. Due to the size of the coat hanger and the fact that it has a smooth, narrow ending, it is only really efficient at poking and trying to break a reasonably soft blockage.

● Commercial Drain Cleaning Chemicals

Commercial drain cleaners are effective, granted, but they pose too many other risks. Firstly, they should only be used by expert DIYers with knowledge about how plumbing works and who are wearing safety goggles and gloves. The chemicals may shoot up anywhere in the plumbing system, causing burns and spills. It can also cause corrosion in your pipes.

● Wet Vac

A wet vac can help suck the clog right out. Ensure that there is a tight seal at the opening where you insert the vacuum nozzle, and turn it to full blast. Even if it just loosens it enough for you to manually clear it, you have a good start.

● Air Compressor

Blasting your 1.5″ pipe with 90 pounds of air pressure is a good way to release a clog. However, before you start, insert plugs in all the other drains in your house, as they may act as vents for the clogged bathroom sink. You should hear a gurgling sound when the clog is released. Now flush hot boiling water down the drain to dissolve and flush the clog away.

● Drain Snake

Home supply stores and hardware companies sell inexpensive drain snakes that can be fed down the drain, past the p-trap and into the wall drain pipe. Serrated drain snakes can easily be used to hook the clog, break it and pull it out.

If all else fails, your safest bet is to call your Toronto plumbing experts – Anta Plumbing. We offer a wide range of drain services, and can unclog your bathroom sink drain using hydro jetting or our electrical augers. Proper unclogging will remove hard-to-remove build-up on the insides of your drainpipes, thus stopping it from getting clogged up again soon.

How to Prevent Household Water Leaks

December 10, 2014water leaksLeave a comment

The drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet in the middle of the night can be extremely frustrating. However, unless you have it checked and fixed, it can end up costing you more than one sleepless night. Apart from having to lay out thousands of dollars in damages, mold removal and more, poor plumbing can affect your health. Instead of taking a reactive approach to leaks, we at Anta Plumbing recommend that you take a pro-active approach in order to prevent leaks.

Some plumbing leaks are preventable, particularly weather-related flooding. Here’s how you can prevent most of the common household plumbing leaks in your home:

Weather-Related Leaks

As expert leak prevention, detection and repair specialists, we highly recommend thorough winterization of your indoor and outdoor water systems. Many homes sprout leaks during winter and in spring when the ice starts to melt. However, proper winterization can ensure that your pipes don’t become frozen and in doing so, prevent leaks come spring.

● Most roof leaks are caused by dirty gutters that become backed up during heavy rains. Be sure to clean debris from your gutters and roofs regularly to help prevent leaks.

● Prevent potentially harmful leaks by directing your downspouts away from the foundation of your home. If they point towards or near the home, they could cause leaks into your foundation and or basement, leading to property damage, or worse, mold that can cause to disease and even death.

● Ask a professional plumber to install a backflow valve and test it once a year, before the start of the rainy season.

Maintenance to Prevent Leaks

● Inspect your appliances, such as your refrigerator and dishwasher for any signs of leaks, including nearby and underneath.

● Replace hoses to your washing machines every few years to prevent leaking. Ideally, replace them with more durable reinforced steel braided hoses, and be sure to turn off the supply lines and hot water heater whenever you plan to be away from home for more than a day.

● Check your dishwasher, ice machine and sink and the water lines to make sure there are no signs of deterioration, damage or leaks and ensure that the connections are tight.

● Inspect your water heater for any signs of rust and ensure that it has a pain with a drain underneath. Most hot water heaters are replaced every 10 or so years, so purchase one with the longest warranty.

● Replace your hot water heater anode rod every two years while the warranty is in place, and yearly thereafter.

● Flush the hot water tank from sediment, particularly if you live in an area with hard water.

● Replace any gate valves on your water supply line with ball valves to help reduce the risk of potential leaks.

● Fix leaky faucets right away, or call a professional.

Preventing Outside Leaks

● Invest in an automatic shut off water valve device, which is super-handy in cases of emergency.

● Once a year, replace any damaged caulk around your doors and windows.

● Speak to a professional plumber about your options to prevent roots from nearby trees from getting into your water pipes.

When a leak occurs despite your best efforts, your best course of action would be to shut off the main water supply to your home. You should also shut it off (by turning the valve clockwise) before you try to make any plumbing repairs. Also, only attempt plumbing repairs if you have the required skills and plumbing knowledge in order to prevent bigger problems.

Feeling Sick All the Time? Poor Plumbing Could be to Blame!

December 9, 2014plumbingLeave a comment

The wellness industry is growing by leaps and bounds every months as more consumers buy the latest superfoods and antioxidants to keep them healthy. Then there are the pharmaceuticals, flu vaccines and the like. We truly go to great lengths to stay well, but there is one thing that causes many recurring illnesses that we are exposed to every day, when we so much as wash our hands or bath. Bacteria such as hepatitis, E.Coli and salmonella lurk in our bathrooms and kitchens.

Poor plumbing can allow moisture to be trapped under your sinks and floors, or in the ceilings and walls, where it causes mold to grow. Furthermore, leaks in your sewage pipe can cause the fresh water to be contaminated. You may not even be aware of the issue, until poor plumbing manifests in recurring health problems and even death in severe cases:

Mold Toxicity

Mold toxicity usually occurs from ongoing exposure to mold, and can go unnoticed until it is serious. Watch out for symptoms such as rash, coughing, runny nose, sinus, infections, asthma attacks, dizziness, fatigue, nose bleeds and more. This condition is extremely dangerous and should be seen to right away.

● Mold Toxicity & Poor Plumbing

Mold is caused by standing water. Even a slow drip can cause moisture to be trapped and for mold spores to start growing. When inhaled, cause toxicity inside the body. Ideally, you should get hold of a mold inspector to test and remove mold.

● High humidity is another factor for mold growth. Condensation on your windows is a great indicator of too much humidity.

● Invest in dehumidifiers to absorb any excess humidity.

● Open the windows for better ventilation and use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

● Use a mold and mildew cleaner in your bathroom and kitchen and around any exposed plumbing to stop it from growing.

Water Contamination

You will usually see symptoms of water contamination immediately, and if left untreated, can cause death. Early symptoms will include nausea or vomiting, rash, and breathing difficulty. Long term symptoms could include damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system, or even cancer.

● Water Contamination & Poor Plumbing

If your water smells foul, don’t drink it, as it may be contaminated. This is usually caused by a sewer leak that contaminated your fresh water supply.

Drain clogs should be handled with care in order to maintain utmost safety. You should call Anta Plumbing right away to handle a sewer backup immediately to avoid your family coming in contact with any contaminants. It is important to use a strong disinfectant in your home, especially after working on unblocking a clogged drain.

● Invest in a water purification system for your home.

● Install a sump pump to prevent main sewer backups from flowing into your basement.

A good way to keep your plumbing in shipshape condition, is to get hold of Anta Plumbing for an annual plumbing inspection. We will look at your entire system from the mains to all the branches in your home. Using video sewer inspection equipment, we will look for any potential clogs and we can blast your pipes clean with hydro jetting equipment, which uses powerful water jets to scrub the inside walls, removing any build up. Call us today for drain services and proper winterization of your plumbing system.

Fix a Leaking Faucet in 6 Simple Steps

December 8, 2014Leaking FaucetLeave a comment

Many homeowners ignore leaking faucets until it turns into a steady stream. They think that they are saving money on a plumber call-out, but instead, all the wasted drops add up, ending up costing more in the end. However, you don’t necessarily need to call a plumber to handle your leaking faucet. Today, we’re going to show you how, with some basic plumbing and DIY experience, and a few common tools and materials, you could quickly and efficiently stop a leaking faucet.

We at Anta Plumbing, recommend that you handle a leaking faucet as soon as you notice it. Even the littlest amount of dripping under the sink, or the annoying drippety-drip that keeps you awake at night can quickly become more than just a nuisance. In fact, it could become a big problem if not addressed in a timely manner.

Use our simple steps below to put your leaky faucet to a stop quickly and inexpensively.

What You’ll Need:

● wrench and an adjustable wrench.
● Flathead or Phillips screwdriver.
● Penetrating oil.
● Replacement O-rings and washers.

Step 1: Turn off the mains

Don’t forget to first turn off the water at the mains before you apply a screwdriver or wrench to the fixture. Also turn off the shut-off valves for the sink, and have a bucket and old towels handy to absorb any water that comes out.

Step 2: Remove the pretty bits

Many faucets have decorative parts attached to the handlebars or knobs. You can remove these using a flat head screwdriver. You will find screws that mount the knob handle to the stem. Gently unscrew this before removing the handle using your flat-head screw-driver. If it is stuck, use penetrating oil to loosen it, making it much easier to take the handle off the stem.

Place each part you remove in the right order on an old towel. This will make it easier to replace it correctly later.

Step 3: Loosen the Packing Nut

You can use the wrench to loosen the nut and expose the stem, which you should also remove. Some types of stems pop right off the faucet, while you need to twist others off from the valve. Be vigilant for any damage to parts.

Step 4: Inspect the O-ring

Look inside the valve seat to ensure that everything is intact, as that could well be the reason for the leak. Remove the washer and replace it with a new one. O-rings and washers should fit perfectly in order for it to work correctly.

It is a good idea to purchase the correct type, whether it is flat or cone-shaped. Your local hardware store will be able to supply you with the right size, or for a few bucks extra, you can buy a kit with several types of O-rings in different sizes.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Replace each part in the order in which you removed it, firstly the washer or O-ring, then the stem, the packing nut, the screw and finally, the handle.

Step 6: Test

Gently turn on the faucet to test and ensure that the water is running. When you close it, you should be able to see whether the leak is fixed.

A faucet that continues to leak even after you have followed the steps above, could mean that there is corrosion in the valve seat. Loose parts, worn-out seals, or broken plumbing could also be to blame. If you can’t find the source of the trouble, it might be time to call your Anta Plumbing.

Best Practices for Bathroom Renovations

December 5, 2014RenovationsLeave a comment

A bathroom renovation is both exciting and messy at the same time. Some people create a pile on the curb, or by the backdoor, and sometimes that’s fine. Some renovators use a rented dumpster, but that is not always the best solution. From sewage to construction debris, one has to take special care to avoid bacteria, mold, and lead during renovations. It has to be avoided while you work on your pipes, walls, floors and drains, and materials should be discarded properly in order to avoid disease.

Today, we’re going to give you a few professional guidelines that we at Anta Plumbing follow when we do bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations or even basement lowering and waterproofing.

1. Get the Right Tools

Getting the appropriate safety gear and demolition equipment goes without saying, but in addition, you also need ventilation-free safety goggles, quality gloves (rubber, nitrile, PVC, polyurethane, or neoprene), a properly-fitted mask (rated P-100 with a respirator) and a ventilation fan.

2. Seal Off the Area

When you cut, sand, grind, or scrape an area where there may be lead, mold or any other contaminants, it will stir up toxic dust that can be ingested or inhaled. Use heavy-duty plastic tarps and strong tape to seal off the area, or separate it from the rest of the house. Also seal off the forced air heat registers to keep the dust from entering the duct work. You can also keep the dust from spreading by spraying it down with water before you cut or sand.

3. Ban Unequipped Individuals

Only the necessary, fully-equipped individuals should be in the area that is being worked on. Ensure that no pregnant women, children, elderly people, pets and curious onlookers stay well away from the area.

4. Removing and Disposing of Mold

While mold does not make the official list of hazardous waste, it is most certainly toxic to your health, and you should take care when you abate and dispose of it. Don your safety gear to ensure that you don’t make direct skin contact with it when you scrub it off, using a bleach, detergent and water solution. If mold has infected porous or absorbent areas, those items should be discarded.

When you need to caulk something, first clean it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before you apply mold-resistant primer. Once the primer has dried, you can apply the caulk.

Preventing Mold in Your Newly Renovated Bathroom

Once mold has set in, it can be hard to remove it without requiring a whole renovation, or at least some costly replacements. Anta Plumbing’s renovation experts know how to avoid mold from festering in new and older bathrooms, and it basically comes down to proper cleaning and increased ventilation.

1. Humidity is a culprit in mold growth. Run your AC or use a dehumidifier.

2. Use a bathroom exhaust fan for 10 minutes after you have showered to vent the steam to the outside of your home.

3. Deal with any visible spots or other issues right away to prevent it from taking root.

4. Leaks, no matter how small, allow moisture to seep into your floors, walls and cabinets.

Don’t delay – call Anta Plumbing today to ensure that you have no slow leaks that encourage mold growth. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, performed according to the applicable city codes to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Kitchen Sink & Faucet Upgrade: Expert Plumber Tips

December 4, 2014UpgradesLeave a comment

Thinking of upgrading your kitchen with a new kitchen sink and faucet? It is probably the “easiest” way to achieve a new look in your kitchen, provided you follow our advice below and fight the desire to take short cuts.

We must first warn you though: This is not a simple task. It requires knowledge about both plumbing basics and measurements. Unless you’re a DIY expert, we recommend that you rather call the professionals to do it for you. Here at Anta Plumbing, we do several plumbing fixture installations every week and have gained the experience to install new sinks and faucets without a hitch.

Installing a New Kitchen Sink & Faucets

Here’s how we do it:

1. Take Measurements

The Tailpiece

Most homeowners wish to install sinks with deeper basins, however it is critical to measure the tailpiece first. If the basin hangs too low, the fixture won’t drain properly. This is not too much of an issue, as the sanitary tee connection can be lowered easily enough if it is plastic and easily accessible, but it can become a huge mission if:

● it is a metal connection
● it sits behind the base cabinets

Therefore, measure the tailpiece of the sink between the tee connection and the basket strainer. When you shop for a new sink, you can use that measurement as an indication of how much deeper you can go without having to lower the drainpipe.

The Garbage Disposal Drain

Consider your new garbage disposal’s drain too. If it is going to be too low, you have to consider a more shallow basin, or perhaps two of different depths – a deeper basin for dishes and a shallower one for your garbage disposal.

The Cutout

If your sink is too small for the cutout on the countertop can leave large, unappealing gaps around – if it doesn’t simply fall right through. Measure the cutout from underneath, from all sides, paying close attention to the corners. Some contractors cut corners (literally and figuratively) at 90-degree angles instead of rounding it off properly. If need be, you may need to buy a larger sink and enlarge the hole. Also be sure to match the sink openings to the new faucet.

2. Check for Leaks

If you have particleboard under your plastic laminate countertop, be sure to check for water stains. While a little water damage is no big deal, severe swelling will affect how your sink sits and if the particleboard is crumbling, it will not provide a solid base. If the particleboard is not firmly attached to the laminate, or if you see bulges, rather consider replacing the countertop.

3. Seal the Deal

Use a putty knife to remove the old caulk or putty. Home centers sell a special caulk remover for the stubborn bits. You can remove the final residue with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.

It is important to use the right sealant, and plumber’s putty is not it. In fact, plumber’s putty dries out, leading to cracks and eventually leaks. It can also damage some of the plastic used in sinks. Instead, use silicone caulk.

4. Get a New Waste Assembly

Don’t be a scrooge and use the old drainpipes. Over time, the threads become corroded, preventing a tight connection. Buy a new waste assembly and avoid leaks in the near future. If you buy a kit, you will have everything and probably save money at the same time.

Also check your old valves to see if they need to be replaced.

5. Clear Away the Mess

When you work on water lines, some sediment will always be loosened. Be sure to purge the lines first, before you hook up your new faucets.

Need help replacing your old kitchen sink and faucets? Anta Plumbing will happily assist.

How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies This Holiday Season

December 2, 2014Holiday Season TipsLeave a comment

It’s that time of the year again… Families and friends come together, share meals, celebrations and enjoy parties. There’s good food, free-flowing drinks and boundless laughter, and everything else that signifies good times. It’s fun and games, until a plumbing emergency puts a damper on it – quite literally, sometimes. From Halloween until the early parts of January, Ridgeway Mechanical sees the most plumbing emergencies.

As more people than usual congregate in homes, it places a lot of strain on the plumbing system. Not only the residential drains and supply lines are under pressure, but that of the whole neighborhood. On top of that, there is the strain that the cold winter weather places too. This means that:

more people showering and doing laundry requires more water.
more waste as more people shed hair, skin and soap scum, and sanitary waste clog up the sewers.
more food is being prepared, which places strain on the garbage disposal and thus the drains.

In addition to these challenges, fixtures, water-using appliances and water heaters work harder. All these issues combine to result in plumbing emergencies, ranging from clogged drains or sewers, flooded bathrooms, frozen pipes and more.

Few things can sully a merry and bright season as much as a flooded kitchen or basement, or a clogged toilet. However, prevention is cure, and here at Ridgeway Plumbing, we are known to provide solutions.

This year, we would like to help you prevent plumbing emergencies, and that’s why we decided to share these Happy Holiday Plumbing tips with you:

1. Get a Pre-Season Plumbing Inspection

If you’re unsure as to whether your plumbing system can cater to the additional strain, we recommend that you call us now for a pre-season plumbing inspection. We will check that your toilets flush as they should, that your pipes are insulated, and that your drains are clean.

2. Put Prevention Systems in Place

No matter how well you look after your plumbing system, guests have their own ideas about how things are done. But you can still ensure they don’t place too much strain on your plumbing system with the following strategies:

Put waste baskets in the bathroom so that they can throw away feminine products, facial tissues and baby wipes, rather than flushing it.

Add drain strainers to the bathroom drains to help catch hair, especially if visitors have long hair. Gradual grease buildup, soap and hair tend to build up inside the pipe walls, leading to clogs.
Ensure that you handle the garbage disposal and oily pots yourself, or that you show those helping you how you like to wipe the congealed grease from the pots with paper towels. If other people will be helping with dishes, ask them to not to put fibrous, stringy and hard-to-bring items down the waste disposal. Also show them how to run cold water for a few seconds before and after running the garbage disposal to flush the main line.

Clear the filter on your washing machine and dishwasher more frequently to avoid blockages that could cause flooding or burst pipes.

3. Time Your Water Use Carefully

With more people in the house using water, it can be hard for everyone to get a good, hot shower.

Run the washing machine and dishwasher at night, or at other times when hot water is not in use. This will help conserve hot water, while maintaining adequate water pressure.

Sometimes, you can do everything right, but still experience a plumbing emergency. When that happens, don’t hesitate to contact Anta Plumbing.