Since every home and business in Canada relies on a plumbing system, it’s only natural that property owners have questions from time to time. Maybe you've wondered about the benefits of an elongated toilet or want to know which plumbing services are available in your area.
While your local, trusted plumber is available 24/7 to answer any pressing questions, you might just find the information you're looking for below.
1. How Can You Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater?
Most tank water heaters last 8-12 years, while their tankless counterparts can last a little longer. However, there is a link between the care you provide your water heater and its lifespan. The more maintenance your water heater receives, the longer it can last!
Don’t underestimate the value of performing these tasks to help your water heater last as long as possible:
- Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup
- Inspect and replace the anode rod to protect the tank from corrosion
- Insulate the tank and pipes so your tank doesn’t have to work so hard to maintain the water temperature
- Check for leaks and strange sounds
- Request help from a trusted plumber to prevent minor problems from turning into big ones
2. How Can You Maintain Your Plumbing System to Prevent Issues?
We often take it for granted that our plumbing systems will always function at their best without our intervention. In reality, we must care for them to prevent stressful and costly problems! While we can’t prevent all plumbing system woes, the following maintenance tasks can certainly reduce the risk of many of the most common ones:
- Perform regular inspections: Look for leaks, listen for strange sounds, and inspect for signs of corrosion or damage. If you don’t feel comfortable performing regular inspections, reach out to an experienced plumber for assistance.
- Clean your drains regularly: Use natural, gentle products and solutions, such as baking soda and vinegar.
- Be mindful of what you flush and pour down your drains: Only flush human waste and toilet paper down your toilet; never pour grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain.
- Repair problems quickly: A small leak can escalate into a catastrophic issue if not addressed promptly.
- Schedule regular plumbing maintenance: Hire a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system annually. They can identify and address potential problems to save you stress, hassle, and money.
3. How Do You Know You Have An Issue with Your Plumbing?
Not being a plumbing expert doesn’t mean you won’t notice when you have an issue with your plumbing system. These are some of the most common signs many homeowners notice before calling their local plumber:
- Slow drains
- Bad smells around drains
- Gurgling drains
- Low water pressure
- No hot water
- Water backing up in drains, toilets, and showers
- Unusual sounds
- Visible leaks
- Dampness on floors, walls, or ceilings
- Pooling water in the yard and/or around the property’s foundation
4. How Do You Prevent Clogged Drains?
Keeping your drains clear can be as straightforward as being mindful about what goes down them. In the kitchen, don’t dispose of grease, oil, or food scraps down your drain. In the bathroom, use a mesh screen over your shower and bathtub drains to stop hair and other debris from clogging them. You can also prevent clogs by regularly cleaning and flushing your drains.
5. How Can You Prevent Foul Odours from Your Drains?
There are few things as unpleasant in our homes as foul odours emanating from our drains. The good news is that, in most cases, they are entirely avoidable.
Prevent odour-causing buildup by pouring hot water down your drains every week to break down grease and soap scum. You can also freshen up your drains and neutralize odours with baking soda and vinegar.
If you notice unpleasant smells from unused drains, periodically run the faucets to keep water in the P-traps. This prevents sewer gases from escaping and causing foul odours in your home. If smells persist, contact your local plumber for advice.
6. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for You to Use?
Although chemical drain cleaners are convenient, they are not the best option for cleaning our drains. In fact, they can be harmful. Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes, affect air quality, and kill off the good bacteria that are needed to break down buildup in drains. Some varieties can also cause skin burns and irritation.
The good news is that many safer alternatives are often just as effective:
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Hot water and dish soap
- A drain snake
- A plunger
- Bio or enzyme-based drain cleaners
7. How Do You Check for Hidden Leaks?
Hidden leaks can be challenging to detect, especially when they occur behind walls, in ceilings, and under floors. However, there are many ways you and experienced plumbers can find them:
- Check your water bill for unusual increased usage
- Inspect your property for signs of water damage like mould and mildew, water stains, dampness, unusual smells, and warped or buckled flooring
- Use a listening device to listen for leaks
- Use a moisture meter to check for dampness in places you can’t see
- Use a thermal imaging camera to detect temperature changes
8. How Often Should You Have Your Plumbing Inspected?
The right time to schedule a plumbing inspection can vary depending on several factors, including the age and type of your home. If you have a new home, an inspection every two years will most likely be satisfactory. For older homes with a history of plumbing issues or aging pipes, your plumber may recommend six-monthly or yearly checks.
If you’ve carried out extensive renovations to your property, consider a post-renovation inspection. You may also see the value in a plumbing inspection in a rental property after every tenant.
9. What Causes Low Water Pressure In Your Home?
Several things can indicate low water pressure in your home, including:
- Clogged pipes
- Plumbing leaks
- A faulty pressure regulator
- Problems with your main water shut-off valve or water meter valve
- Issues with the local water supply
- Sharing a pipeline with neighbours
- Running multiple fixtures at the same time
- Issues with individual appliances
If you’re having problems with water pressure, contact a plumber as soon as possible.
10. How Do You Stop Your Pipes from Freezing In Winter?
Frozen pipes don’t have to be a standard part of living somewhere with bitterly cold winters. You can prevent this frustrating issue by taking these steps:
- Insulate your pipes
- Let faucets drip to stop water from freezing in the lines
- Disconnect outdoor hoses
- Seal air leaks around your property
- Open doors and cabinets to let the heat from your home reach your interior pipes
- Maintain an indoor temperature of at least 16°C (60°F)
Get Expert Plumbing Advice from Mr. Rooter Plumbing® in Canada
Do you want to learn more about plumbing or have a specific question you would like a professional to answer? Contact your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing® today. We’re here 24/7 to answer your plumbing-related queries. We look forward to providing the residential and commercial services you need.
