Archive for December, 2015

Should You Buy a Generator?

December 29, 2015GeneratorLeave a comment

Touch wood, winter in Canada treated us well this year. We’ve had less snow than most years, but let’s not get too comfortable. Things can still change, and we’re still in the rainy season. Freezing rain is still possible, which is why our Toronto plumbers recommend that you keep your generator in good working condition, or, if you don’t have a generator, to invest in one now. You may think that winter is nearly over, but sure as the sun, winter comes around every year, and a generator is an investment that can last for years to come.

Life Without a Generator

If the Toronto winter leaves you without power, you will have to make alternative arrangements to keep your groceries refrigerated and to heat your home. You will have to find someplace else to shower. All of these factors can impact your routine negatively. However, these are some of the things you don’t need to worry about when you have a generator. Power loss in summer can be uncomfortable, because you can’t cool your home at night, but in winter, with sub zero temperatures, power loss can be life-threatening.

Do You Need a Generator?

In this post, we discuss the specific reasons why you may need a generator. You need a generator if:

… you live in an area that is prone to ice storms and heavy snowfall. These are two of the main reasons for power loss in winter, as the heavy snow and ice coatings damage power lines, and crews may not be able to resolve issues for long periods of time.
… you or a family has specific medical needs, which requires equipment to work around the clock. If a child or aging adult needs an oxygen supply system, your home power system requires backup…. you live in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding. In this case, a portable generator can help keep your sump pump running to help dry out your home quickly.
… you work from home. An increasing number of our population work out of their homes, and a generator is a great investment in preventing downtime and keeping your business competitive during power failures. … you’d like to prevent crime at your home. Widespread power outages turn dark neighborhoods into easy targets for criminals. However, if you have a generator to power a few lights and your home security system, your home will be a lot less attractive to burglars. … you’re a contractor. When you work in a remote location, a portable generator can help power your electrical tools.

Don’t think that you will have no need for a generator once winter’s icy hands turn into lazy summer days. You can take your portable generator along on your summer camping trips, to make them just a little more comfortable. If you’re looking for assistance with winterizing your home, or being prepared for the inevitable ice rains, get in touch with Anta Plumbing. Every year, we help with numerous plumbing emergencies that could easily have been averted with proper planning.

How to Prevent Bathroom Accidents

December 28, 2015BathroomLeave a comment

Most accidents in the home take place in the bathroom, usually due to the hard, slick surfaces and the additional moisture that cause slips and falls. Securing the home is important in keeping your family safe, especially if you have older relatives or young children in your household. In addition to safeguarding what is already in your bathroom, you should consider adding bathroom aids that are specifically designed for the elderly. In this post, we look at the different ways in which you can make your bathroom safer.

Tips for a Safer Bathroom

1. Making Your Floors Safer

Bathrooms are often quite small, and more difficult for an elderly person to navigate. Therefore, it is important to remove clutter such as waste baskets, hampers or plants that might make it harder for them to move around. Rugs that don’t have non-slip backing, can be a hazard for seniors, who can easily slip and fall.

2. Bathroom Aids for the Elderly

When it comes to choosing bathroom aids for seniors, you won’t have to sacrifice appearance in order to promote safety. These bathroom aids are available in many different styles other than the usual aluminum that we’re all accustomed to. By placing and installing grab bars on the inside and outside of the tub or shower stall, as well as near the toilet, you can enhance security and stability for your loved ones.

3. Making the Bathtub Safer

Replace your bathtub with a handicapped-accessible tub or walk-in shower. While this may not be possible in your home, consider a transfer bench which straddles the edge of your bathtub to make it easier to get in and out of the shower, especially if you have mobility challenged loved ones.

Self-adhesive non-slip mats inside the tub will provide more secure footing and help to prevent falls.

4. Putting the Toilet in the Frame

A commode safety frame can help make it easier for seniors to get on and off the toilet. This type of frame will fit over the toilet, using armrests to enable the user to raise and lower themselves easily. A toilet riser is another inexpensive and convenient option. The riser seat makes the toilet several inches taller.

Additional Bathroom Safety Tips

In addition to the above tips for the elderly, it is important to keep the bathroom safe for children too. Here’s how:

Lock any medicines and cleaning agents out of the reach of children.
Install shower doors made from heavy-duty plastic or safety glass.
Always run the cold water first to prevent children from being scalded by accident, and be sure to check the temperature of the water before you get into the bath.
Never leave your children in the bath unsupervised.
Be sure to remove the soap from the water to prevent slips.
Do not keep any electrical appliances in the bathroom.
Always use non-slip mats at the bottom of the bath.

Anta Plumbing can advise you on any other bathroom safety tips that applies to your situation in particular.

Why You Should Insulate Your Water Heater Tank

December 23, 2015Water HeaterLeave a comment

When our clients ask whether they should insulate their water heater tanks, Anta Plumbing’s master plumbers answer YES! Insulating your water heater is not very complex for someone with moderate DIY experience, and it only takes about an hour and a half to complete, but it can save more up to $45 in energy costs per year.

Most new water tanks are already insulated, while an older tank needs insulation and an R-value of more than 24. If it is not insulated, you could be losing standby heat by 24-45%. However, by insulating the tank, you could reduce those standby heat losses, and up to 9% in water heating costs. Water tank insulation can pay for itself in a year, and it is as easy as fitting the tank with a pre-cut blanket or jacket, which costs only about $20.

How to Insulate Your Water Heater Tank

Before you start the process, check for leaks. If you find a leak, you will need a new water heater tank. Electric water heaters can also be insulated underneath, resulting in an additional 9% of water heating energy saving. Ideally, insulation should be done when you install a new water heater. Follow these step-by-step instructions to install water heater tank insulation:

1. Turn off the device

Electric water heaters should be turned off by the main electric panel. If you have a gas heater, turn it to the pilot position.

2. Size the blanket

If you did not get a precut blanket, you will need to measure the height and cut the material to fit. Leave the top of the heater open so as to not block the vents at the top of your gas unit.

3. Tape it temporarily

To make it easier, wrap the blanket around your water heater tank and use tape to secure it in place temporarily. Position it in such a way that the ends don’t come together over the access panels on the side of your tank.

5. Mark an access hole for the controls

Electric water heater units usually have two control panels at the side of the tank, while a gas heater will require an arch to be cut for the burner and gas valves. Mark an area of about an inch around the panels or the burner areas and valves, and the are where the pressure relief pipe and valve are located.

6. Complete the installation

Once you have marked out the areas, cut out the areas and carefully line it up with the different areas on the tank before you permanently tape it in place.

If your electric water heater has an insulating jacket, ensure that you set the thermostat below 130ºF to prevent blank wiring from overheating.

Insulating your water heater tank is a great way to save both your pocket and the environment. This once-off job will result in savings every time you use your water heater. Need help installing a water heater tank insulation jacket? Speak to Anta Plumbing today.

Sump Pump Failure: 8 Causes

December 21, 2015Sump PumpLeave a comment

Much like any other emergency or security system, you will rarely need your sump pump, but it is very necessary in emergency situations. A sump pump can help mitigate water damage in the event of flooding by draining floodwater from the home using an external discharge drain. However, in order for a sump pump to function as it should, regular maintenance is required. Some of the reasons why your sump pump may stop working, include:

1. Old Age

How old is your sump pump? Wear and tear can result in pump failure after 7-10 years. Ideally, sump pumps should be replaced after 10 years in order to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.

2. Power Failure

With bad weather often come power failure. This combination can cause your basement to flood even if you have a sump pump. Installing a backup generator for the sump pump can help avoid flooding during a power failure.

3. Lack of Maintenance

Oftentimes, sump pumps may seem to fail, when really, it just needs a good maintenance service. Give your sump pump a quarterly cleaning by making a vinegar solution and running it through the pump, ensuring that the float is unrestricted. Also ensure that the air holes and the vents on the pump are clean and clear of debris.

4. Pump is Overwhelmed

If your sump pump is too small for the amount of water entering it, it may become overwhelmed. If the pump is too big, it will become overworked and its lifespan will be shortened. Before buying a sump pump, speak to an expert who can help you to size it correctly.

5. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Pipe

If water flows back down the pipe and into your basement, it is possible that the discharge pipe is clogged with debris, or frozen. It is possible to put preventative measures in place to avoid frozen pipes, or you could have a specialty discharge pipe installed. This will allow the water to flow out of your basement even when the main pipe is frozen.

6. The Switch is Stuck

It is pretty common for the sump pump switch to become stuck, especially when the pump shifts inside the basin. When this happens, the float (which operates the switch) can lodge itself against the side of the pump, causing it to become ineffective. Debris can also jam the float. In both cases, a bit of housekeeping can help you adjust the pump and get it back into working condition again in no time.

7. Defective Pump

It is important to test your pump frequently, and especially shortly after installation. to ensure that it is working as it should. Manufacturing defects are unlikely, but not impossible.

8. Poor Installation

If none of the above problems apply, it is possible that your sump pump was not installed correctly. Proper installation means that

there is a check valve on the discharge line
there is an air relief hole in the discharge line
not setting the pump on dirt or gravel

When faced with sump pump failure, call Anta Plumbing for expert assistance. We handle all sump pump installations, maintenance and repairs.

What to Do In the Event of a Gas or Water Leak

December 17, 2015water leaksLeave a comment

Every year, we hear news reports about deadly explosions, never thinking that it may also happen to us. But how do these explosions happen? What are the signs that appear right before things go horribly wrong, and what do we do if there’s a gas or water leak? In this article, some of Anta Plumbing’s finest Toronto plumbers will explain how to keep your family and home safe.

How Do Gas and Water Leaks Occur?

With global warming on the increase, natural disasters are more common than ever. Homeowners face risks such as severe storms, floods, and tornados. In winter, snowstorms can lead to frozen pipes and power outages. Man-made emergencies, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fires can also occur. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation can help keep your family and home safe.

While prevention is the best defense, it is not always possible. Your best bet would be to install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and to change the batteries at least every 6 months. A carbon monoxide should be installed near every bedroom, to ensure that it can be heard by all.

It’s also important to know where all the utility mains are located, and how they are operated, as this is crucial to household safety. Knowing how to do this can help decrease the damage to your property in the event of an gas or water leakage emergency. Educate each member of your household on the location and operation of all main electrical, gas and water switches.

In the Event of a Gas Leak

Once your gas has been shut off, it can take a few days to restore it, therefore, you should only turn it off if you detect a gas leak. A gas leak can be detected by observing spinning wheels on the gas meter, and by the the rotten eggs smell that is so distinct of carbon monoxide. Proper handling of gas is crucial to preventing explosions during a gas leak. Here’s how:

1. Shut off the main valve, which should be next to your gas meter, by turning it one-quarter turn using a crescent wrench.
2. Open all doors and windows.
3. Avoid using any matches, candles, lighters or any other open flames, and do not switch on any appliances or electrical switches.
4. Do NOT turn the gas back on, but call the local gas utility company right away.

In the Event of a Water Leak

Every year, we attend to water leaks that caused thousands of dollars in property damages. Water leaks can happen when a hot water heater fails, or when a frozen pipe bursts, for instance. It is crucial to avoid water coming in contact with electrical wiring, as it may cause electrocution. Whenever there’s a major leak in your home, shut off the water supply right away. Here are the steps to take:

1. Close the main water shut-off (the red and yellow wheel), which is usually located in the garage, basement or alley.
2. If the water level is rising rapidly, shut off your electrical supply too, in order to prevent water entering your outlets.
3. Call Anta Plumbing right away.

Get Your Plumbing System Ready for the Holidays in 6 Simple Steps

December 15, 2015Plumbing SystemLeave a comment

The holidays are upon us and our homes are starting to fill up with family, friends and copious amounts of wonderful foods. However, these are the very factors that put tremendous strain on a home’s plumbing system, resulting in holiday plumbing emergencies. If you don’t want to have to search for a 24-hour plumber this festive season, follow the guidelines laid out below to avoid emergency plumbing call outs.

Take care of preventative maintenance now. If your plumbing is iffy, don’t wait for a Christmas miracle. Fix leaks, slow drains and a rusty water heater now, before the added pressure on the system causes it to break.

Clogged drains are one of the biggest, most common issues relating to holiday plumbing emergencies. Here’s how to avoid a clogged drain disaster this holiday season:

1. Schedule a preventative drain cleaning call-out

Call Anta Plumbing before your guests arrive. We will perform a drain clean-out using high-pressure water jets. This method scrubs the inside walls of your drain pipes clean, removing any debris, tree roots and other items that may build up and result in clogged drains.

2. Prevent FOGs from entering your drain system

Fats, oils and grease harden when it cools down, building up inside the drain pipes. Tree roots in drains, as well as small bits of debris such as food particles can become lodged in the hardened FOGs, resulting in nasty clogs. Rather pour FOGs into suitable containers and dispose of it in the trash. Thin layers can be wiped clean with newspaper or kitchen towel and binned before you wash the pans.

3. Avoid small items from entering your drains

When you wash dishes, work slowly and methodically to avoid utensils, bottle caps, meat bones and other hard objects entering the drains.

4. Go easy on the garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are handy, but don’t overwork it by running it continuously, or by inserting hard items that may not be cut. These items will become lodged in the garbage disposal, causing the motor to burn out. Be sure to run water while the garbage disposal is running.

5. Don’t allow fibrous foods to clog your garbage disposal

Stringy, fibrous foods can become lodged on the blades of your garbage disposal, so don’t allow asparagus, chicken skin, coffee grounds, meat leftovers, plastic materials or paper to enter the system. It can cause damage to your garbage disposal, or cause your drain to become clogged.

6. Teach children what should and shouldn’t enter the drains

During the holidays, toilets often become clogged because children flush too much toilet paper down the drains. Also, it’s not unusual to see toys or pets being flushed down the toilets. When children arrive at your home, be sure to tell them right away what should (and shouldn’t) enter the toilet. Likewise, provide bins in the bathrooms for guests to dispose of sanitary products, facial wipes and cotton swabs.

The good news is that Anta Plumbing will, as usual, provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services the Greater Toronto Area all year long. Get in touch with us if you have any plumbing emergency.

Could My Plumbing System Be Making My Water Smell Bad in Toronto?

December 14, 2015Plumbing System Water SmellLeave a comment

Many Toronto residents still use tap water without filters and there’s usually no reason not to. However, there are times when your home’s potable water supply may taste bad, for whatever reason. In most cases, it is fine to use water that smells bad, as it has passed through the municipal water treatment plants. But if you suspect that your water, that comes from a well, has a bad smell, it may be important to test it. In some cases, the municipal supply could be just fine, but your home plumbing system may be to blame. When you notice a sudden change in appearance, smell or taste of your water, get hold of the municipality right away, as it could indicate a serious issue.

Reasons Why Tap Water Smells Bad

There are many different reasons why tap water may smell bad, including:

high concentrations of metals from the pipes delivering the water may be present.
the chemicals used at the treatment plant to remove organisms could be to blame.
organisms could be living in the water.
environmental contaminants could be present.
algae blooms in the water source could cause odd smells.
seepage could be to blame – and is a serious health concern.

Does your water smell like cucumber, diesel fuel, methane, sewage, or something else? Causes could include iron and bacteria that thrive on iron in the system, and you may see orange slime in the water. This may also result in a diesel fuel smell.

Chlorine and sulfur can also result in bad tasting water. Chlorine is used during the purification process, and when excess is used, it could lead to a high concentration in your pipes. The smell should usually go away if you run the water for a moment. Sulfur usually results in a rotten egg smell and a bitter taste.

Water travels a significant distance from the purification plant to your home. It travels through pipes made from different metals, such as lead, copper and iron, all of which contribute unique tastes and smells. Iron and copper usually only appear in low concentrations and pose little to no harm, apart from discoloring the water. High concentrations of iron may leave your water a rusty brown, which is a clear indication that it is time to replace your pipes. Lead, even in small amounts, can negatively impact your family’s health. If you suspect lead contamination in your water, immediately refrain from using it and have your pipes tested immediately.

During summer, algae blooms may be present in your water, resulting in an odd smell. Water treatment generally removes algae and a variety of other organisms, but the odor may remain, causing a bad smell. Consider installing a water filtration system to remove the bad odor.

Seepage is a dangerous issue that can have potentially serious health side effects. When environmental contaminants enter your water supply, it is important to replace your pipes right away. Sewage pipes should be laid below your water lines, but if tree roots damage your sewage and water supply pipes, the contaminated water can enter your clean water supply, it could lead to serious illness.

Not sure what’s causing bad smells in your water? Get in touch with Anta Plumbing today to investigate the matter.

Is Your Water Bill Not Adding Up

December 10, 2015Water BillLeave a comment

Have you noticed an increase in your water bill that doesn’t correlate to your usage? If so, you may have a hole in your plumbing.

If your water bill has increased dramatically, but your usage has stayed the same, and you haven’t had any work done on your plumbing, the increase in cost could be caused by a hole in the plumbing.

If left unattended, these small holes can cost you hundreds of dollars in lost water, or thousands of dollars in extreme cases.

When asked if the spike in cost could be related to a hole in the plumbing, the city’s manager of water billing, Anthony Fabrizi, says: “The simple answer is yes.

“A hole the size of a poppy seed can leak 170 gallons in 24 hours, costing $2.59 per day and $310.70 in 120 days. A hole about three times as large wastes 970 gallons daily, costing $14.83 per day and $1,779.49 in 120 days, and a hole just a quarter of an inch in diameter can leak 3,600 gallons in 24 hours, which adds up to $54.71 per day or $6,565.14 over a quarterly bill.

“As you can see, depending on the nature of the leak and flow rate, a leaking toilet (for example where the flapper valve sticks in the open position) may consume several thousands of dollars of water in a 120-day billing period.” Fabrizi says.

However, if your bill shows a dramatic increase one month, and reverts back to normal the following month, the spike in cost is most likely not due to a hole in the plumbing.

So if you’ve noticed your water bill has been increasing for several months, but your usage has stayed the same it might be worthwhile to call Anta plumbing. After all, the cost of having it checked is less than what it could cost if you ignore it.

Why Your Home Needs Drain Vents

December 3, 2015Drain VentsLeave a comment

Household plumbing has evolved tremendously over the years. If you have an older house, your plumbing system may well still be made up of a combination of lead, plastic and cast iron pipes. It is also possible that, when your home was built, plumbing code did not require for a vent system to be installed. What is a vent system, and why do you need one? In this post, we will take a look at the various systems involved in your home’s plumbing.

Drain Waste Vents: Why Your Home Needs It

Drain, waste and vent systems enhance your plumbing system’s draining ability, thus, if your drains take too long to empty, or if there are sewer odors present, you may well have a problem with your drain waste venting system. Over time, homes settle lower, causing the drainage slopes in the home to be disturbed. It can cause slow drainage. No vents, or incorrectly sized vents can also cause drainage to be affected, and toxic gases to build up.

If you have an old home, it is important to have your drain, waste and vent system inspected to ensure proper safety and operation. Older homes with plumbing systems that do not meet current codes, do pose a threat of potential potable water contamination.

How Drain Waste Vents Work

While a plumbing system may look complex, they all function in a similar way. Drainpipes remove water from the house to the municipal gray water system, while waste pipes carry sewage from toilets into the municipal sewage system. Vent pipes supply air to the plumbing system in order to ensure that the system functions as it should.

Every house has at least one vertical pipe that runs upwards from the main sewer line to out above the roof. Horizontal pipes run from the appliances, tubs, faucets and toilets to the main stack. The horizontal pipes must be sloped in order to avoid water settling inside. The venting system allows the system to flow smoothly, and will help prevent water from gurgling.

P-traps and sanitary tees also form part of the venting system.

P-traps or sideways P fittings are curved in such a way that it prevents noxious gases from escaping into the house. Water collects in the curved part of the P, and prevents the gases from leaking in through the drain hole. Toilets have a built-in trap.

Sanitary tees work by directing the “traffic” in the drain, waste, vent system to ensure that waste goes down towards the sewer, and gases exit from the vent stack. This t-fitting connects a main run with a horizontal pipe stacked at 90 degrees to create a branch. Unlike a standard tee, a sanitary tee branch run is curved towards the main pipe. Main runs must always be vertical, and the branch must curve towards the drain. Sanitary tees may be used as vent tees, but the branch would then sweep upward.

If you know that your home’s plumbing is older than 20 years, or if you’re suspecting that you don’t have a venting system installed, get hold of Anta Plumbing for an assessment.

How to Install a Freeze Proof Faucet

December 2, 2015Freeze Proof FaucetLeave a comment

One of the best inventions for those of us living in parts prone to freezing, is a freeze proof faucet. Anti-siphon, frost-proof sill cock faucets offer a range of benefits, including stopping unsanitary water from contaminating your potable water system, and preventing water lines from becoming frozen. While these faucets are designed specifically to prevent water from freezing inside valves or pipes, sometimes theses faucets can be damaged by frost. When that happens, you will need to replace or repair the faucet.

Replacing the Frost Free Faucet

In order to replace a frost free faucet, you will need to know the exact length of your existing faucet. Sizing the faucet can be complex because you need to see the entire faucet to be able to measure it. It’s usually easier to remove the old one and take it along to the plumbing supply store to buy the exact same size.

Here are the steps to replacing your frost free faucet. Read the instructions carefully to ensure that all is in order before you start removing faucets.

1. Shut off the water supply to your home, and double check that it is indeed off. Remember that the water will be off for a while, so make alternative arrangements for the family’s water use for the morning.

2. Remove the screws that secure the faucet to the wall. Anchor screws are meant to restrict movement. The screws will prevent you from disconnecting the other side of your faucet, so you will have to remove any paint or caulking that prevents the frost free faucet from turning.

3. Disconnect the faucet, possibly from under the house. If it runs into the wall, you will probably need to cut an access panel to get to the connection. It’s great to have help with this, because you will need two adjustable wrenches or pliers to disconnect the faucet. One of the pliers should be used to support the water line, while the other is used to unscrew the valve from its housing. If the faucet is soldered onto the water line, you will have to cut it off and install an adapter, such as a gator bite or sharkbite fitting.

4. Remove the faucet. You can now pull the faucet from the wall and take it to the plumbing supply store to buy a new one. Be sure to get an exact match.

5. Install the new frost-free faucet by applying Teflon tape to the threads of your new faucet, and feeding the faucet into the opening. Be careful while screwing the new valve back into position to avoid cross threading it. Hold against the water line adapter to ensure that you are not moving. Again, use one set of plier on the faucet and another on the water line.

6. Test your installation by turning on the water supply and testing for leaks. Repair any leaks, and screw the freeze proof faucet into place on the wall to create an anchor.

Some plumbing jobs are simple, such as unblocking a minor clogged drain. But if you’re having any issues, it is a good idea to call in Anta Plumbing, particularly for complex jobs such as installing a freeze proof faucet.

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