Get Your Plumbing Ready for Winter: Tips to Winterize Your Home's Plumbing System

 

Winter can be brutal to your plumbing system, especially if you aren't prepared. From freezing pipes to frozen faucets, winter has the potential to disrupt your life and make it harder to get things done around the house. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent this from happening and keep your home safe this winter. An expert plumber shares these tips to winterize your home’s plumbing in Scarborough.

Let Faucets Drip:

One of the best ways to prevent freezing pipes is by letting faucets drip. This will create a steady flow of water and ice won't be able to form at the faucet opening. You can also keep some kind of heat on near plumbing fixtures that are prone to freezing, such as those under kitchen sinks or in the basement. By doing so, you'll have a constant supply of unfrozen water when you need it most.

Keep An Eye Out For Leaks:

Check for any small leaks that might have gone unnoticed during warmer months. If there are any, they'll likely become larger as winter progresses. Check these often to stop any further damage from occurring. If you do notice a leak, turn off the main water valve immediately and contact an emergency plumber in Scarborough to fix it before more damage occurs.

Insulate Exposed Pipes:

If you have exposed pipes that are at risk of freezing, make sure they're either insulated with a wrap or heat tape. When you go on vacation, turn off the water so the pipes don't freeze and burst when nobody is home to fix it. Make sure any unheated areas like crawl spaces are heated by wrapping them with insulation and insulating curtains.

Know Where Your Main Water Shut-off Valve Is Located:

Knowing where the main water shut-off valve is located can save you a lot of time and energy in case of an emergency. It is important that you know how to turn off your water supply at any point in time, so that when there is a pipe break or leak, you can stop it immediately.

Fix Exterior Cracks:

It is important that you seal exterior cracks in the foundation and exterior wall joints of your home. The winter weather will cause water to seep in through these cracks and freeze, which can lead to structural damage on your home.

Repair Any Drain Issues Sooner:

Drain repair in Scarborough is not something that you want to put off until it’s too late. You may not be able to see a clog, but over time it can get worse and cause a lot of damage. You should contact a plumber who has experience with frozen pipes and repair any problems before winter arrives.

As colder weather sets in, the risk of freezing temperatures causing your home’s plumbing to malfunction increases. Fortunately, following the tips mentioned above will help prevent this from happening and keep your plumbing in Scarborough working smoothly and efficiently all winter long. Don’t forget to hire a qualified plumber today!

Not Sure If You Need to Replace Your Plumbing Pipes? Read This to Know More

 

There are many problems that can occur in your plumbing pipes, and some of them may not be readily apparent. After many years of use, they can start to corrode or crack, leading to leaks and water damage that you might not have been able to foresee otherwise. If you notice any of the following signs that your home’s plumbing pipes      to be replaced, you should act as soon as possible before it’s too late! An emergency plumber Scarborough explains:

Leaky Faucets:

If you notice that your kitchen faucet is leaking, it may be time to replace the pipes. Leaky faucets waste water and can lead to mold growth in your home. Plus, they're a pain in the neck! If water continuously drips from the faucet, or if the water pressure changes when you turn it off and on, it might be time for a replacement.

Pipe is Corroded:

Pipe corrosion is when the pipe develops a thin layer of rust on its inside surface. Corrosion can happen when water runs through the pipes for long periods without being used, or if there is too much water pressure in the pipes. It could also be caused by galvanic action from dissimilar metals in contact with each other. It is not uncommon for pipes that are several years old to have some degree of corrosion. If your pipe has more than 50% corrosive damage it may need to be replaced.

Pipes Frequently Clogging:

If your pipes in plumbing Scarborough have clogged a number of times in the past few months, then it might be time for you to consider replacing them. The more often they clog, the less likely it is that they will be able to unclog themselves. That's because there are deposits of sediment that build up and make it difficult for water to pass through. This is especially true if you notice other signs of wear on the pipes.

Water is Discolored:

If you notice a change in the water color, it could be a sign that there is a problem with your pipes in plumbing Scarborough. You may see dark or rust colored water or there may be sediment in the toilet bowl. It could also mean that something is wrong with the pipes in your home and it's time for them to be replaced. Additionally, if you notice rust-colored stains on the side of your bathtub or shower stall wall, this could also indicate an issue with the pipes.

Even the sturdiest plumbing pipes will eventually fail over time, but if you keep an eye out for these five signs, it’ll be easy to determine when that time comes. Call your plumber if you notice any of these issues in your own home or require drain repair Scarborough. A professional will suggest the best quality pipes for replacement and install them for you with ease.

4 Warning Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

Whether you live in an apartment building or a private home, having your water heater break can be inconvenient at best and expensive at worst. If you’re not prepared to replace your water heater right away, you may have to make some do-it-yourself repairs or shell out cash to have someone else fix it. A plumbing Scarborough expert highlights the five warning signs that your water heater is on its last legs and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Look out for Puddles Underneath:

One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your water heater is puddles of water forming underneath it. If you notice any moisture, it could be a sign of a slow leak. Check the temperature and pressure relief valve to see if it’s the source of the leak. If not, then you may have a cracked tank or faulty drain valve. Although there are ways to fix these problems yourself, contact a plumbing Scarborough professional to resolve it the right way.

The Water is Not Hot Enough:

When water heaters first start to fail, they often do so by not heating water as efficiently as they used to. This means that you may need to wait longer for hot water or increase the temperature setting to get the same amount of heat as before. If you find yourself having to do this, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement. You may also check the thermostat and see if it needs to be adjusted. If that doesn't do the trick, then call in an emergency plumber in Scarborough.

There's Corrosion on the Heater:

One of the most common signs that your water heater is going bad is corrosion. This happens when the metal of your heater breaks down and starts to rust. The first place you'll usually see this corrosion is on the outside of the tank. If you see any rusty spots, it's time to start shopping for a new heater. There are different types of heaters, so make sure you know what type you have before buying one.

You Hear a Weird Noise:

If your water heater starts making strange noises, it could be a sign that it's nearing the end of its lifespan. This could be anything from a gentle rumbling to a loud banging. A popping noise, for example, could indicate that the tank is starting to rust. If you hear this noise, buying a new heater would be ideal.

A hot shower or bath can seem like one of life’s simplest pleasures, but if your water heater isn’t working right, it can be one of the most frustrating experiences. Contact a qualified plumbing expert specialised in plumbing and drain repair in Scarborough today. They can inspect and tell you if your water heater needs to be replaced.

5 Main Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them

If you’ve ever had a clogged drain, you know how much of an inconvenience it can be to deal with your bathroom sink or kitchen sink. It’s important to take precautions to prevent these issues from happening before they get so bad that you need an emergency plumber in Scarborough, however, as drain clogs can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repairs if left untreated. Prevent clogged drains by taking advantage of these five tips on the most common causes of clogged drains and how to avoid them.

1) Hair

One of the main causes of clogged drains is hair. Hair can build up over time and eventually cause a blockage. There are a few ways to prevent this from happening. First, you can install a drain guard or hair catcher in your shower. This will help catch any hair before it goes down the drain.  Also, be sure not to pour anything into the drain that doesn't belong there, such as grease or oil, because it can lead to clogs. Finally, once every six months have a professional come out and perform a drain repair service on your drains.

2) Grease

Grease is one of the main causes of clogged drains. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and can cling to your drain pipes, causing a blockage. To prevent this, never pour grease down the drain. Instead, wipe it up with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.

3) Pasta, Rice, Beans

Did you know that pasta, rice, and beans are some of the main causes of clogged drains? That's because they expand when they're wet and can quickly clog up your pipes. To prevent this from happening, make sure to cook these items in a pot with plenty of water and never pour them down the drain. If you do have a clog, don't try to fix it yourself - call professionals for drain repair in Scarborough who can safely and quickly clear the blockage.

4) Disposable wipes

Disposable wipes are one of the main causes of clogged drains. They don't break down like toilet paper does, so they can easily build up and cause a blockage. To prevent this, don't flush them down the toilet - throw them in the trash instead. If you already have a clog, you may need to call a drain repair service to clear it out.

5) Soap Scum

One of the main causes of clogged drains is soap scum. Soap scum is the film that is left behind after soap is used. It can build up on the sides of your drain and eventually lead to a clog. To prevent this, make sure you are using a drain cover and cleaning your drains regularly. If you are looking for professionals for plumbing in Scarborough, you can contact Saving Plumbing now.

4 Effective Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

Frozen or burst pipes aren’t just an inconvenience, they can also be a real danger to your home and the people who live there. That’s why it’s important to get them fixed immediately. If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to know how to prevent pipes from freezing during the winter months. Follow these four tips from a plumber in Scarborough on how to prevent frozen pipes.

Keep the Water Running:

If your home relies on an outdoor source of water (like a well), then you need to keep that water flowing all winter long. That way, if a pipe freezes, it will still be connected to some kind of water source and won’t cause any damage. Just make sure you don’t turn up your thermostat. This should help prevent freezing pipes.

Use Heat Tape:

Installing heat tape around your outdoor pipes will prevent them from freezing and can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in plumbing costs. However, not all heat tapes are created equal. In fact, some can actually do more harm than good, and may even be hazardous! Talk with a licensed plumber in Scarborough about which products best suit your needs before purchasing one.

There are two types of heat tapes: one would turn itself on when it detects that heating is required. The other must be plugged/unplugged based on your requirements. Heat tape must be used with caution and be sure to follow the instructions of a plumber before you start using them.

Seal Cracks and Holes:

The easiest and cheapest way to protect your plumbing in Scarborough from freezing is to seal cracks and holes in the walls where the pipes run through. This involves checking your exterior wall thoroughly and patching any imperfections you might find, such as worn brickwork for instance. Check all of your faucets for leaks too. Leave them running for an hour or so when temperatures drop below freezing, and turn them off before you go to sleep. This should stop most minor leaks that can lead to frozen pipes.

Ensure Proper Insulation of Pipes:

The heat generated by your hot water pipes will help keep them from freezing, so it’s important that you insulate those pipes properly. Insulating your hot water pipes could help maintain their nominal temperature, even if there are big fluctuations in temperatures outside.

You can insulate your pipes with foam pipe insulation or add extra wraps of heat tape around them. If you live in a basement apartment, be sure to insulate all pipes leading out of your unit. Keep in mind that if you already have frozen pipes, no amount of insulation will thaw them out for you. Contact a plumber immediately if you suspect a frozen pipe.

These simple tips can be very helpful in preventing the overwhelming problem of freezing pipes. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to talk to a qualified 24 hour plumber in Scarborough who can fix this in no time.