Posted in Plumbing Tips

Picking the right plumber may not be as simple as it sounds. Pick the wrong one and you could be paying way more than needed. Be it a large or small problem, it's important you hire an honest and skilled plumber who can be trusted to complete the job efficiently and satisfactorily. Going with an inexperienced handyman you found off Kijiji, for example, could result in low-quality work that might cost you even more in the long run due to additional repairs or damages. Here are a few fa...

So, you've decided to finally remodel your kitchen? Update your bathroom? Build out that wet bar in your basement? Whatever home upgrade you've diving into, it's sure to improve your quality of life and add value to your home. But it's also not as straightforward as it might seem. For one thing, there are likely plumbing considerations you need to take before any work can actually begin. Plumbing is one of the most important things to consider before starting a remodel bec...

A garbage disposal is a great convenience in any kitchen. Rather than filling your garbage with scraps that'll start to smell in a few days, you can send them down the disposal and shred them! The problem is, garbage disposals can be fickle and troublesome - especially if you're too liberal with what you put down them. If you've got a stuck garbage disposal or one that's clearly clogged, there are a few things you can and should do to get it working again. Here's how: ...

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, there's something special about being able to get away to your very own private cottage during the spring, summer and even fall months of the year. Few people make the trek to their cabin during winter - snow, ice and subzero temperatures make it more difficult. That's why it's so important to winterize your cabin during your last visit of the summer or fall season. Winterizing your cottage or cabin doesn't take all that much wo...

In general, it's a good idea to hire a professional plumber if you are at all uncomfortable with doing DIY plumbing work. If you're unsure of the steps you need to take or aren't good with a set of tools, you risk making matters much worse, and creating more expensive repairs. However, if you are comfortable performing some minor repairs yourself and know your way around basic tools, then it can be beneficial for you to keep your home stocked with some basic tools and supplies...

One of the keys to keeping all your plumbing fixtures and appliances operating well year after year is to make sure you're engaging in important preventative maintenance tasks. Everything that uses water in your home, including all of your sinks, showers, baths, garbage disposal, refrigerator, washing machine, toilets and water heater, can be maintained to prevent any significant plumbing problems from occurring. By staying on top of preventative maintenance, you'll be able to avoid...

If you don't take immediate action to fix leaking pipes when you notice them in your home, there's a chance they could cause a significant amount of damage to your property. Depending on the size and type of leak and the kind of pipe or fixture you're working with, there are a variety of methods you can employ to fix the leaking plumbing on your property. Here's a quick overview of some tips to try until they can be repaired properly: Always remember to turn off your plu...

During the home remodeling process, the "rough-in" is the part of the remodel that takes place right after the basic framing is completed. It often features the initial preparations and plumbing installations, before the walls and ceilings get closed up with drywall (or whatever other material will be used). This is also the part of the project in which building inspectors will come in for the first time and make sure everything is up to code. Because the walls and floors have n...

Your sump pump is an important part of your home's plumbing system, and it is imperative you stay on top of preventative maintenance to ensure it works properly when you need it to. Here's a quick overview of some tips that will help you keep your sump pump in good condition for many years to come. Test it often The best way to determine whether or not your sump pump is working as it should is to test it regularly. Pour some water into the sump pit to raise the float that spri...

In this second installment on clogs, we'll cover some tips on how to deal with them and avoid them in your home. If you're experiencing a clog in a kitchen or bathroom drain, it's important you act quickly so you can restore normal operation of the drain and avoid potential backups and damage. A lot of people will simply rely on liquid chemical drain cleaners to clear out their drain, but we like most plumbing professionals, will recommend against using these products. They have...