Archive for July, 2016

Save Face, Don’t Waste! Tips and Tricks to Help You Save Water

July 27, 2016water savingLeave a comment

Most people want to help keep the Earth healthy for as long as possible, no one purposely wastes water or tries to create more waste than they need to. However, there are some things we do on a daily basis that waste lots of water without us even realizing it. Changing small things in your everyday routine can save hundreds of gallons of water annually – this will in turn save you money!

A lot of these tricks will come down to deciding between conveniences or saving water – it’s up to you which is most important and the decision won’t be the same every day. If you have time you may make the water saving, energy efficient choice, if you don’t have the time or energy you may take the easier route. That’s O.K. what is important is that you try little things every day that can make a big difference if everyone in the world were doing the same thing.

The first thing you can do that will save gallons of water every day is not running your dishwasher, or if you do make sure it is completely full so you are not using all of that water on half of a load. Washing your dishes in the sink may seem like a daunting tasks when you are tired from making dinner, but some people find the habit therapeutic and you will cut down on your water usage immensely. If you are shopping for a new dishwasher try to purchase one that is energy and water efficient.

If you are washing the dishes, or brushing your teeth for that matter, a great way to save water is to not run the tap the entire time you are busy at the sink. This wastes so much unnecessary water, as you are not even touching it, it is just being poured directly down the drain. You should only be using the water to rinse, same when you are washing dishes. If you can try purchasing a biodegradable soap or toothpaste, this eliminates harmful petroleum levels in the air.

Another instance in your daily ritual where you might be wasting a lot of water is when you are shaving. Men should not be letting the water run while they are shaving, instead fill the sink up halfway and use the still water to rinse your blade. Women can eliminate water waste by turning off the shower while they lather and shave their legs. Letting the shampoo or conditioner sit in your hair while the water is off and you are shaving has positive benefits for your hair as well your water usage! Make sure you are taking showers as well. Though it was a common misbelief that showers waste 3x more water than a bath, this is actually absolutely false. Unless you are taking 30 minute showers, in which case you should stop doing that too!

In the bathroom make sure you have a garbage can in the corner, this will deter people from using the toilet as a garbage can. Hair, tissues, bugs are things typically thrown in the toilet but this is not good for the water system and can end up clogging the water line. This can also lead to leaky toilets. Leaky toilets and faucets can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. If you notice a leak in your home or business make sure it gets fixed right away.

One last thing you can improve on in your day-to-day life in order to stop wasting water is to wash your car yourself. You don’t need more than one bucket of water to wash the car, and the hose for one final rinse. If you can; buy biodegradable soap and wash your car on the lawn. This way you are feeding the grass and cleaning your car all at the same time. Industrial car washes or gas station car washes waste thousands of gallons of water a year, not to mention soaps that harm the environment. It is best to avoid these services when and if you can.

It is important for all of us to take steps in ensuring we are not creating more waste than absolutely necessary. If we all do our part every day in saving the water we can we may be creating a more hopeful future for our planet and our children.

Getting Rid of the Sewer Smell in Your Home or Business

July 22, 2016Sewer SmellLeave a comment

The plumbing in any residential or commercial building is a vast and complicated series of pipes, with incoming and outgoing flows of liquid. The network of pipes, vents, and traps controls not only the water coming in but also the contents that need to get out as well. The branching of pipes that carry off the solid and liquid waste from your home are just as important as the incoming pipe system. The outgoing pipes are connected to the system of pipes that carry waste into the municipal waste water of the public. The system allows your home to extricate solid and liquid waste from your home without the possibility of sewer gases and bacteria re-entering.

If this system is not working properly there will be a sewer smell in your home or business. A common reason why this may be happening to you is not having vents and traps attached to each plumbing fixture. If traps and vents are missing you will need the help of a plumber to install them immediately or the smell will persist. Another common reason is broken seals around the toilet that allows water to siphon or dry out the traps thereby allowing smells to enter the home. There could be an air leak at the wax ring of the toilet or in the vent pipe. Rotted or damp wood can also cause the smell. Check to see if the toilet is tightly sealed to the floor.

Frequently the cause of a sewer smell in the home can be a dry trap. If you pour a quart of water down every drain in your home this should eliminate the odour. All drain sewer systems have a ‘P’-shaped trap that is filled with water. If one of your plumbing fixtures is hardly used the water in this trap may evaporate and dry out over time. Without the water the seal is no longer useful allowing sewer smells into your home. However, if this is the case the fix is incredibly easy – just make sure you are pouring a quart of water down the drain semi-regularly.

If you have an old home or your business is inside of an old building, your plumbing may be made of cast-iron pipes. This means that the smell may be coming from cracks in these old pipes. Cast-iron piping usually cracks on the topside of the pipe. Unfortunately, there is no way to know where the crack starts or ends meaning you may need to inspect every inch of your plumbing to find it. If the entire length of the piping is crack, which is quite common in old pipes, you should replace it with PVC plumbing material.

Vents can also cause a sewer smell to be present in your home. If the vent is clogged you may need to call a plumber or a professional to examine all the vents inside your home, all the way to your roof. Once the vents are unclogged the sewer smell should dissipate. There could also be a leak in one of the vent lines in your home. If this is the case, you’ll need the help of a plumber to check for loose fittings, corrosion or holes in the vent piping. If the topside of the vent piping is rusted, though it might not leak liquid, sewer gas smells will excrete into the home. Using copper, steel or cast-iron piping usually causes this problem.

If the smell is only noticeable when around a certain drain, sink, or shower try using an industrial cleaner. Pour the strong cleaner or bleach down the holes inside the bowl near the rim. When the sink is nearly overflowing water is filtered to a different drain, debris can collect inside of these chambers and create a foul smell.

There are multiple reasons why your home may be smelling like the sewer, thankfully there are many ways this problem can be fixed as well – usually cost effective and time efficient. Don’t suffer with a house or business that smells like the sewer, find the problem and fix it quickly and easily.

The Dangers of Leaking Attics and How to Stop It

July 21, 2016Leaking AtticsLeave a comment

There are many jobs homeowners know they need to do around the house, but they just keep getting pushed back either from procrastination or necessity some odd jobs just don’t get completed. However, when there is a leak in your attic or in your floor it is essential the problem be fixed as soon as possible. If you let water buildup in your attic and leak through your home you could be allowing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to deteriorate your home every day. Roofs should be replaced every 20 to 30 years so if yours is leaking than it may be time for a new one, however it is most likely an easier and cheaper fix. Constant water leakage from your attic down to the rest of your home will eventually reach the foundation and can cause severe structural damage.

When water begins to enter your home through the roof it will initially do damage to the attic and the contents within your attic. As well as the exterior roof if the leakage is coming from melting snow or ice. If you do not have an attic, than the damage will begin in the interior ceiling. This will cause the ceiling paint to darken as well as the plaster to bubble if the leak if very big. If you have ceiling mounted lights and fans attached to the interior ceiling than the electrical ware and hardware will be damaged as well.

Once the water begins to accumulate in your home there are other serious problem that affect your health as well as your family’s health. When water is stagnant in the roof or ceiling of your home for a long period of time mildew and mold will start to grow and disperse. This is common in unkempt showers, black mold spreading from the corner or the bottom of the tub upwards. Mold can spread throughout your home’s structure including into the HVAC unit system, the carpet, vents, furniture, and clothing. It is rare, but black mold evolves into toxic black mold which attacks wood framing and ceilings. Not only does mold take a long time to get rid of as well as causing serious damage to your wallet, it is extremely unhealthy to be breathing in air contaminated by mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can lead to serious health issues, especially for those with high sensitivity, including nasal congestion, rhinitis, inflammations and asthma.

A leaking roof will also give your monthly bills a boost. When there is a leak in your roof the water intrusion will be detrimental to the insulation in the roof/ceiling. Fiberglass insulation will become saturated with water and it takes a really long time to dry out. If the leak is not fixed your insulation will no longer work, meaning hot and cold air will be leaving your house constantly. This will no doubt increase your monthly bills. Having a leaky roof is also leaving yourself the risk of having a house fire. If there is electrical wiring in the roof it is likely the water will short the wires. Shorted wires are often the cause of house fires.

In order to find a leak in your roof, first notice where the water is dripping (hopefully not pouring) from. If you are comfortable and trained go up onto to roof and look where you saw the leak from the inside. Once you notice the area peal up the shingle that is covering the leak. If there is a leak the shingle will more than likely be curling upward. If you cannot see where the exact leak is coming from you can peal up a group of shingles and it should be evident where the leak is coming from underneath.

Once you have found the leak lay the singles flat on top of roof cement. Make sure you put a generous amount on. That should seal the leak. If the shingle is also damaged you should replace those so you do not have to keep adding more roof cement to the same spot throughout the year. A shingle that lifts off the roof with little effort or it crumbles as you’re pulling it, it might be time to replace all of your shingles.

A leaky roof or attic is something all homeowners should take seriously. The damage will not stay isolated in the ceiling it will eventually drip down over time through your floors and into the foundation of your home. That is why it is important to fix leaks as soon as you notice them, it will be a much easier fix than moving or replacing an entire roof!

Ice Maker Water Lines – What is behind your fridge?

July 20, 2016Ice Maker Water LinesLeave a comment

Having an ice maker in your fridge door is one of life’s smallest pleasures. It’s never even realized until you run out of ice one day, or someone forgot to fill the ice tray how convenient built in ice makers really are. Unless you have a restaurant or hotel quality ice basin in your home for some reason, having an ice maker in your fridge is the next best thing. Automatic home ice makers were first introduced in 1953 by the Servel Company.

Ice makers are usually found on the freezer side of a double refrigerator. They create crushed, crescent or cubed ice through metal molds. An electromechanical or electronic timer first opens a solenoid valve (a valve controlled by electric current) for a few seconds, allowing the mold to fill with water from the domestic cold water supply. The timer then closes the valve and lets the ice freeze for about 30 minutes. Then, the timer turns on a low-power electric heating element inside the mold for several seconds, to melt the ice cubes slightly so they will not stick to the mold. Finally, the timer runs a rotating arm that scoops the ice cubes out of the mold and into a bin, and the cycle repeats. If the bin fills with ice, the ice pushes up a wire arm, which shuts off the icemaker until the ice level in the bin goes down again. The user can also lift up the wire arm at any time to stop the production of ice.

When simple home utilities are broken down and explained, like the ice maker – it all seems very impressive. However, there was one piece of the puzzle left out of the aforementioned explanation; the ice maker water line. The ice maker supply line is a small plastic, copper, or stainless steel water line that feeds directly into the ice maker. Water pipes are very susceptible to damage it is important that while installing or once it has been installed it is in a position where it is not being bent or shaped in an awkward position.

Ice maker water lines can often get clogged with mineral build up and deposits. It is important to clean these lines regularly. If you leave you water line with a mineral deposit clogging the flow of water your ice machine will need to work harder, this means it may wear out sooner, it will also create far less ice than if the water line was clean. Not only that but the water going through the water line into the ice machine will soon be ice floating around in your drink. So it’s best to keep those lines free from any bacteria buildup as well. Clogs also create the potential for leaks, which will damage your ice maker and your refrigerator, and most likely the contents within it.

If you have a water filter processing the water in the water line for the ice maker, it is advised that these be changed every 6 months or after 400 gallons of water has been filtered through. If the filter is clogged the ice maker will make fewer and smaller ice cubes. To check if the filter or water line is clogged, place a cup underneath the water dispenser. Filling a measuring cup with a 4 cup volume should take no more than 15 seconds. If it is slow or the water is dispensing in a very thin stream your water line is most likely clogged. Even if you have excellent water quality but low water pressure it is recommended you clean the water line. As previously stated, clogs in the water line will do damage to your ice maker, freezer, fridge and the food within it.

Unclogging your ice maker’s water line, keeping it clean and maintaining water pressure to the ice maker will not only keep your drinks full of ice but also save you money!

Best Towel Warmers of 2016

July 18, 2016Towel WarmersLeave a comment

Picture yourself on a cold, winter morning getting out of bed and ready for work. There’s nothing more unappealing than hopping out of the shower knowing you’re going to be freezing for a while as you try to finish your morning routine. This little life problem can be fixed quite simply, so quit suffering through cold mornings. Towel warmers can be expensive but they are definitely worth it. Now is the best time to buy and install a towel warmer so you are set for the long winter ahead!

There are many different kinds of towel warmers, but the top 5 of 2016, according the BestReviews dot com quoted in CNN, TIMES, Forbes, and USA Today will be reviewed here. Whether you want one that hangs on the wall, or one you can shove into a corner and hide the top 5 purchased towel warmers of 2016 have you covered.

AMBA RWH-CP Radiant Hardwired Curved Towel Warmer
This is the best towel warmer on the market right now, and due to that it is a bit of an investment. For most buyers it has been well worth it. It has a polished, curved design that would look great in any home. Made from stainless steel the AMBA is approximately 5Kg and hangs on your wall. This towel warmer stands out because of rapid heat-up time and drying time thanks to its heated vertical and horizontal bars. It is a bit pricey but any product of quality will cost you a little extra. Some reviewers have also said installation is a bit tricky. The bottom line, however, is that this is the best towel warmer on the market in terms of reliability and performance.

Retail Price: $422.99 CDN

Elite Hot Towel Cabi-Warmer
This towel warmer is quite different from the AMBA. The Elite towel warmer is a small box that can fit up to 24 facial-sized towels. It contains an internal temperature control unit so the machine will never overheat. An insulated cabinet with a padded heating element surrounds all internal walls and the unit does not rely on bulbs. At half the price of the AMBA, this towel warmer is a steal. Unfortunately, the Elite towel warmer does not have temperature adjustment so that temperature of your towels cannot be modified. This is ideal for heating multiple towels at once but it is not the best at maintaining heat levels.

Retail Price: $215.00 CDN

Warm Rails Hyde Park Standing Towel Warmer
This is a standing towel warmer with a sleek design, so there is no need to hide it in the laundry room or install it on your own. The Hyde Park Standing Towel Warmer is also gentle enough to warm and dry bathing suits, bedding and hand-washable items. Some reviewers have claimed that this machine has a tendency to heat towels unevenly. It is 39-inches, 4.9Kg and has a chrome finish and comes with a 1-year limited warranty. This towel warmer looks great and is easy to use.

Retail Price: $225.00 CDN

Brookstone Towel Warmer
This is a uniquely designed towel warmer that can fit two oversized towels or one large blanket. The transparent lid allows you to look inside when needed. This towel warmer plugs into a standard 120 V plug-in and comes with an auto-shutoff feature. It warms and keeps towels at 120 degrees within 10 minutes. Some reviewers have claimed there initially there is a chemical smell to the machine as it warms up, however this fades over time. This is an extra-large capacity towel warmer that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Retail Price: $227.00 CDN

All Ware Home Fashion Freestanding Towel Warmer
This small towel warmer has an aluminum frame with 6-rungs to hang your towels or blankets. It is quite small and will not take up much room. The warmer comes with wall-mounting tools or freestanding feed that can be attached with minimal assembly. It plugs into a standard 110-120V outlet and has an on and off switch. The temperature reaches optimal heat within 30 minutes. Some reviewers have claimed it lacks stability so mounting it to the wall is the best choice.

Retail Price: $129.29 CDN

Stay warm this winter with one of the Top 5 towel warmers of 2016, it will make getting up a little bit easier!

Plumbing Safety in Your Home – Dos and Don’ts to keep your family safe

July 15, 2016plumbingLeave a comment

Health and safety is a big issue for contracted workers, and it is an even bigger issue for homeowners trying to keep their family safe. Maintaining and repairing your home’s water system and plumbing is an important step in ensuring the health and safety of your family. It’s also important that when a plumber is hired to repair some damage in the home, that they are safe and no workplace hazards are around to potentially harm someone. Many plumbing specialists are finding that more and more health and safety concerns are making themselves known, and current legislation demands you to take your responsibilities seriously.

There are various problems that you may need to consider when ensuring the plumbing in your home is safe – and when you need to call a professional. Exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos or exposed wiring, exposure to biohazards like raw sewage, exposure to electrics, burns from steam or hot water are all problems that can very easily be found in many homes. The Plumbing Manufacturers International association has advocated for solutions to health and safety hazards that arise in wet-bathroom environments, such as scalding and slipping. This advocacy has led to product innovations that protect individuals of all ages and enable individuals with diminishing physical capabilities to use the bathroom independently and always with dignity.

Before doing anything to your home, with or without a professional there are some safety tips recommended by the Plumbing Manufacturers International association that you should consider. First it is important that you are informed on the building codes and laws before starting a plumbing project. Hiring a professional is important in situations when you need to get a permit for the project as they are very familiar with these standards and procedures. Second, protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses when doing any plumbing work. It is very easy for small pieces of debris to fly out of the area you are working, eyes are sensitive and should always be protected when working around potentially hazardous materials. You should also consider wearing a mask in order to protect your lungs.

The PMI association also has a list of things you should not to when inspecting, repairing or replacing the plumbing system in your home. It should go without saying but never work while impaired on electrical, plumbing or any other home improvement projects. It is tempting to crack a beer while working on your home but letting it get out of hand will put you as well as anyone else in the home in serious danger. “Impaired” can also mean overly tired or ill. Remember if you’re not in the right state of mind to work, don’t work.

It’s also important to never misuse tools or equipment. Tools should be used for their intended purpose only, getting creative with plumbing or electrical equipment is a disaster waiting to happen. Poorly maintained tools can also be a safety hazard. If you don’t have the right equipment, or your tools are old and not have seen better days, it’s important to call a professional who will have up-to-date tools. Check power tools before using them to ensure they are in good condition. When working with tools, not only should they be in proper condition, but you should have the proper attire on. Placing or keeping tools in your pockets instead of in a tool belt can cause serious harm when you least expect it.

Another “Don’t” from the PMI association is do not ignore safety codes or the smell of gas. Ignoring either of these things spells disaster for anyone involved in the project. Ignoring safety codes is a silly thing to do as they are put in place for the very reason of protecting the public. Ignoring the smell of gas can be quickly lethal. If you smell natural gas or you even suspect a gas leak you should stop what you are doing right away and call a professional. Plumbers are trained to work with gas lines, and gas line repairs. If it is safe to do so, you should turn off the gas before the professional arrives. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, or you are unsure of how to turn off the gas it is best to wait for the hired plumber.

Plumbing safety is easily overlooked, however it should be considered at every point in a do-it-yourself project or any other project in your home. Not considering plumbing safety can be lethal for you and your whole family.

Emergency Plumbing: What You Can Avoid & What You Should Expect

July 14, 2016Emergency PlumbingLeave a comment

Residential plumbing is not something homeowners enjoy thinking about. Even more troublesome is paying for plumbing, something homeowners don’t even see on a daily basis yet can cost an arm and a leg to repair if not properly maintained. For Canadians, plumbing worries are linked to the seasons. In harsh Canadian winters the home pipes can freeze, and in the summers tree roots can grow infesting pipes thereby creating serious clogs and potential bursts in the water system of your home. The following is a list of the five most common plumbing emergencies and what you can do as a homeowner to prevent them.

Frozen/Bursting pipes
When your home’s pipes freeze and unfreeze pressure is being built inside the pipe. This is because when water is expanding (by freezing) and then melting again pressure is mounting between the ice blockage and the faucet. Once the pressure is too great the pipe will burst. If this situation were to occur in your home, before the emergency plumbing service arrives, you should find the hole and try to stop the flow of water. Then locate the main shutoff valve to your home and close it.

Broken water line
Broken water lines are caused by tree roots, natural disasters, storms, or people digging where they shouldn’t be digging. Of course human error is the most common reason for broken water lines. It is important to be aware of where your water line is on your property and to refrain from doing any sort of maintenance in that area without the help of a professional. A broken water line can cause damage to your yard by pooling the water in one area.

Sewage backup
This is one emergency no one wants to have happen in their home. You may have a sewage backup issue if there are multiple drains that are clogged in your home, or you can smell sewage coming from the sinks, showers or toilets in your home. This type of emergency needs to be handled by a professional. Sewage backup tends to be a municipal problem and not that of one home. These types of emergencies occur when the sewage system is overloaded with water. The excess water causes the system to surcharge and send the sewage back up into the home.

Gas leaks
Yes, gas leaks. Plumbers are responsible for laying gas lines and repairing them when necessary. Gas leaks are extremely lethal and not to be taken lightly. They can be caused by a variety of reasons, and are sometimes unnoticeable because there is no smell or fumes. It is important to have a gas monitor in your home. If you think you may have a gas leak, leave the home immediately and with the help of a professional plumber turn off the gas valve.

No hot water
No hot water in the home is not something people want to deal with, especially when you find out getting into the shower while trying to get ready for work. Your hot water issue can be caused by electrical problems or a leaky heater. If you have a water heater that is leaking it is costing you hundreds of dollars a year to heat your water more than it is for people with a new or functional heater. Leaking heaters can also cause damage to your home. The cheapest, and best way to fix this problem is replacing the old heater.

Doing It Yourself – Don’t Raise the Stakes, Call a Professional

July 11, 2016plumbingLeave a comment

For many, plumbing can be a stressful and time-consuming problem in the home. If your drains are clogged or frozen or your water heater is broken it could take days before the problem is solved, especially if you attempt to do it yourself. Hiring a professional can seem like a waste of money because they are paid by the hour and labor costs usually exceed material costs, however this is not always the case. The largest the scope of your home project or repair the more likely you will need to hire a professional in order to ensure you are not doing further damage to the water system in your home.

Hiring a professional will almost certainly minimize errors and maximize the desired results for your project. A plumbing expert can also spot additional problems you may not be privy. For example a professional plumber could spot mold that may be invisible to those who have no experience working with water pipes and interior tubing. Professionals will also keep your project on schedule and on budget. Once you have been given an estimate it is also in the plumber’s best interest to match that estimate as closely as possible by the time the project is finished. If you try to do the project yourself you could be spending hundreds of extra dollars on materials you don’t need.

Of course there are some instances when calling a professional is not necessary. However, considering the scope of the project is important before your make any decisions regarding doing it yourself or calling a professional. Replacing a faucet, replacing a washing machine hose or repairing toilet hardware are things that can be easily managed by even the least experienced of homeowners. These projects have little to do with the complete water system of your property and more to do with aesthetics or hardware that is replaceable with items that can be found at any major hardware or home improvement chain.

When the scope of the project involves multiple rooms, expensive/large appliances, water line, gas lines, renovations etc. It is important to understand that calling a plumber will most likely save you time and money in these instances. In renovations your plumbing issue might be a small part of a larger project. However, you may need permits for these kinds of jobs that an untrained professional would have never known about. It is also imperative for your safety and your family’s safety. Hiring a plumber during renovations will guarantee the installations are done correctly and everything is intact.

Another instance where it is important to call a plumber are the times when the water flow needs to be shut off. When toilets or drains clog it may be necessary to turn off the water. Homeowners can rent or buy products in order to shut off easier projects like the water flow to the kitchen sink for example. However, professional plumbers should handle large water connections in order to ensure a leaky pipe or a burst pipe is not the result. If you are unsure of which water line to turn off from the beginning it would be wise to call the plumber and leave the system alone.

Many people decide to take it upon themselves to install a sprinkler system. If you do not call a professional your drainage and your yard may have severe issues in the future. This type of project should include two professionals; a landscaper to inspect the property and ensure you have the proper permits as well as a plumber to install and make sure the water supplies reach each sprinkler correctly. Your sprinklers performance impacts the health of your lawn, so it’s important to hire the proper people. When considering any exterior plumbing projects it is important to contact a professional. Water lines and pipes underneath your yard can connect to the municipal water system. If there is an issue from an earthquake or ground shifts the city will most likely be aware and fix the problem. Excavating the ground yourself and trying to repair the issue is asking for troubles.

Homeowners enjoy taking care of their homes as a point of pride. However, in cases regarding plumbing it is important to be safe rather than sorry. Calling a professional will keep your project on schedule, on budget and on course for a successfully completed home-repair project.

Homeowners Should Take a Closer Look at their Drainage System – Just Don’t Forget to Call a Plumber

July 8, 2016drainLeave a comment

Plumbing is the job of unsung heroes, it takes someone dedicated to the field, trustworthy and also willing to wade through or poke around in sewage whenever necessary. Luckily, these events have declined thanks to the use of the drainage camera. Plumbers used to have to make an educated guess as to where they thought the blockage began, and if that didn’t work a lot more piping was dug up and ripped open than needed to be. This created an exceptionally large cost to the client as well as time costs for the plumber.

The drain camera service may be a tad expensive, though it is a lot cheaper than ripping through your home’s entire drainage system to find where the problem area may be. It is important to remember that though there may be a large amount of videos online explaining step-by-step instructions how to create your own drainage camera/pass it through your water system – it should not be done by those who have not been trained and who do not have the proper technology. Many YouTubers boast that their drainage camera cost only $40 to make and took no time at all. However, most of these people have no training, are unintelligible and the product they end up with is extremely unreliable.

Professional equipment and cameras for plumbing and drainage can cost $15 000, they provide high-resolution photos and lights in order to see what is being filmed in the tight, dark places usually unseen in your home. The plumbers leave your home with no mess and usually a solved drainage issue. Typical camera home visits can cost $100-$300. It is important for homeowners to have their sewage and drainage pipes checked periodically, especially for those buying or selling a home. The beauty of hiring a plumber with drainage camera technology is that you can see with your own eyes you are not being oversold. Where once persons with no plumbing experience were left in the dark, and confused as to what could be going on in their draining system can now be instantly recognizable.

Without regular blockage checks in your homes drainage, severe and costly damage can occur. When a water pipe gets backed up the water has nowhere to flow, and one blockage will create several over time. When the pipes are full and completely blocked the water will back up through the quickest exit, which would be your sinks, toilets and showers. The gray water is filled with bacteria and sewage. Not only are these health concerns for you and your family but the water itself can do damage to your floors, walls, cabinets and furniture. Most homeowner’s insurance companies do not cover this kind of damage, meaning the clogged pipes as well as your home and possessions will need repairs.

Recently there have been advancements in the drainage camera field. Envirosight, a plumbing company from Florida, has developed a new camera called the ‘Sewer Crawler’ that has side scanning capabilities, capturing consistently high-resolution detail from a pipe’s interior. The camera captures pipe detail at 70 feet per minute without stopping to pan, tilt or zoom. The video is filmed with a flat scan that can be reviewed five times faster than video. It is also integrated with ROVVER crawlers and WinCan software to save money.

Drain camera technology will continue to advance and save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. Taking the proper precautions in eliminating or preventing blockage is an issue everyone with a home should keep in mind. Think of it as going to the doctor for a colonoscopy. Sure, you could try it yourself… but is it worth the damage you’re sure to cause? Though plumbing will never be considered a glamorous job, it is a necessary one and one that should be left to professionals like Anta Plumbing with the proper equipment.

Vinegar and Batteries: Maintaining your Plumbing Throughout the Summer Months

July 4, 2016Plumbing MaintenanceLeave a comment

Although many believe the winter season to be the bane of plumbing given that low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, summer can be equally harsh on the plumbing system of the average household. While your pipes may not burst from freezing temperatures in the summer months, there are a myriad of other mishaps and problems that may befall your plumbing which have the potential to dig a hole in your wallet. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to preserve your plumbing before it falls into disrepair.

Firstly, avoid creating obstructions in your plumbing. While foods such as corn, melons and steaks are particularly popular in the summer months, the rinds and bones of these items can lay waste to your plumbing by blocking pipes, which can lead to flooding and leaking. To prevent this, avoid throwing melon rinds, bones, and other solid wastes into your garbage disposal. If your garbage disposal becomes clogged, do not attempt to unclog it. Though you may be able to fix it yourself, doing so can be dangerous. Unless you are prepared to lose some blood and the use of a hand, have a certified plumber unclog it for you.

It goes without saying that toilets are also a frequent site of obstructions. This is particularly true during the summer months as children return from school given that your toilets will likely see increased usage. While most toilet-related obstructions can be rectified with the use of a plunger, it is possible to prevent many of these blockages before they begin by using a single ply toilet paper. Moreover, you should consider having your toilet and its plumbing examined if it is particularly old. As Anta Plumbing notes, small chinks and cracks in and around ceramic toilets can grow over time if left unchecked. Many plumbers will use special cameras and sophisticated equipment to search for faults in the interiors of pipes and fixtures.

Secondly, be aware of underground sewage lines that run beneath your property. Given that subterranean sewage systems are often extremely costly to repair or replace, you should take care to not damage the earth above or around them. While the summer is a great time to demonstrate your love and appreciation for the environment by planting trees, you can demonstrate your love and appreciation for your septic system by not planting any trees or plants near it. The roots of trees and plants are capable of slowly creating cracks in underground pipes, which may leak sewage into the earth and flood your yard. Moreover, replacing underground septic systems is a long process that can involve digging up most of your backyard. To avoid this occurrence, be aware of any underground plumbing that exists beyond the foundation of your household.

Thirdly, ensure that your sump pump is in working order. This is particularly relevant to those who live in areas with large amounts of rainfall. If you’re sump pump is not functioning properly, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to flooding and subsequent water damage. Depending on the contents of your basement, this may lead to the loss or damage of property. While Anta Plumbing states that most sump pumps can last anywhere between five and twenty years, It is not uncommon for pumps to fail before their tenth year due to a lack of proper maintenance. To increase your sump pumps life expectancy, replace its battery every two to three years and ensure that it is effectively discharging water into your ditch or storm drain. If it is discharging slowly or weakly, there may be a leak or crack in the plumbing that connects the pump to the drain, which may flood your yard over time.

Fourthly, take steps to keep your pipes free of mold and mildew, which have a tendency to thrive during the warmer months. While mold and mildew can threaten the integrity of your plumbing by causing it to rust or corrode prematurely, they may also threaten your health if present in a pipe that provides drinking water. Most pipes can be purged of light deposits of mold by being flushed with a vinegar solution, which will wash away most of the unsightly bacteria that flourishes in warm and damp environments. However, such solutions cannot remove larger deposits of mold, which will require either a specialized cleaning by a plumber or a replacement.

In short, though the summer months can wreak havoc on your plumbing, this havoc can be limited and prevented through a combination of preparation and proper maintenance. To ensure the longevity of your plumbing system, be sure to have it serviced on a regular basis.