Toronto Plumbers Tips to Prevent Basement Flooding

If your basement has ever flooded, or experienced any type of water damage, you know just how stressful it can be. With a few simple maintenance tips and a keen eye, you can greatly reduce your risk of flooding. When it comes to basement flooding, we’ve seen our fair share of damage.

To keep you and your basement dry, here are seven ways you can prevent basement flooding.

Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts

Cleaning your gutters and maintaining your downspouts is an essential part of maintaining your Toronto home. By keeping your gutters free of debris and ensuring downspouts are properly positioned away from the foundation, water from rain and storms will flow freely, rather than pooling up against your home.

Downspouts should direct water at least three feet away from your foundation; in most cases, using downspout extensions or troughs is necessary to achieve this distance. While cleaning your gutters and maintaining your downspouts can be a bit of annoyance, it’s  a relatively simple and inexpensive task.

Properly landscape your yard

The slope of your yard or the shape of your flower bed could be contributing to your water issues. Seems crazy, right? Consider this: if the slope of your yard directs water towards your home, water will pool up around your property, and eventually find a way in. Depending on your specific landscaping issue, you may need to regrade your lawn, or even have a French drain installed.

Inspect and repair foundation cracks

Cracks in your home’s foundation can act as an open invitation to water intrusion. To prevent basement flooding or water damage, visually inspect the exterior of your foundation, basement walls and floors on a regular basis. If you come across any cracks during your inspection, fill them with epoxy. If leaking still persists, or you encounter a more serious foundation problem, call a professional.

Practice proper sump pump maintenance

Sump pump failure is the most frequent cause of basement floods. If your home has a sump pump, you’ve already got a great defense in combating mold, water damage, and flooding. However, simply owning a sump pump doesn’t give you a “get out of jail free” card – you’ve got to maintain it too.

If you know a huge storm is headed your way, check to make sure your sump pump is working properly and is plugged in. Also, consider investing in a generator for your sump pump and a replacement to keep on hand, just in case you lose power or the pump fails when you need it most. Keep in mind, if your basement floods as a result of a broken sump pump, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the damage.

Inspect sewers and clean septic systems

When was the last time you had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned? Skipping out on sewer inspections and septic tank cleanings is a sure fire way to invite havoc into your home, as clogs, sewer backups and overflows are bound to eventually happen with lack of maintenance.

Install window well covers

Homes with below-grade basement windows should always be protected with window well covers. When fastened securely over your basement windows and latched on to your home’s foundation, window well covers work wonders in waterproofing your basement. To keep your basement bright, look for clear acrylic window well covers.

Get familiar with your insurance

Do you have flood insurance? How about additional coverage for sewer backups? This won't prevent basement flooding per se, but if you don’t know the answer to either of these questions, take a few moments to review the details of your home’s insurance policy.

The overall lesson: Be a proactive Toronto homeowner

As much as we hate to say it, owning a home is never a walk in the park. Whether problems arise from flooding, fire damage or even mold growth, issues are bound to occur - after all, there’s no such thing as the “perfect home.” By being a proactive homeowner, you can spot small and easily fixable issues before they become full-blown disasters. When it comes to a dry basement, a little bit of pro-activeness goes a long way.

^{source:angieslist}

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Toronto Plumbers: Underground Plumbing Services

You probably know that a great deal of your plumbing actually takes place underground. The water that comes to and goes away from your home travels under the house and out to city or well facilities, and it is absolutely essential that this underground plumbing work properly.

At Mister Plumber, we work hard to maintain and repair the unseen plumbing of Toronto residents. Through extensive knowledge and amazingly accurate video inspections, we analyze, diagnose and remedy the cracks, leaks, foreign objects, obstructing roots, bad joints and much more.

We can get to the problems that you might not even know about.

There are a number of things that can lead to a faulty drain line or sewer, and leave you with no indoor plumbing or, worse, a sewage swamp in your yard. Getting in touch with Mister Plumber as soon as you notice sluggish or odd smelling drains can save you time, money and a serious headache.

Mister Plumber's underground plumbing services include:

• Repairing or replacing broken sewer lines.
• Cleaning and replacing grease traps.
• Video and camera inspections.
• Cleaning, repairing and removing catch basins.
• Sewer and drain power rodding.

Sometimes the complications that occur beneath the ground happen after hours, or even in the middle of the night. Count on us to be available 24 hours a day. No matter the time of day or night, your satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

Call Mister Plumber of Toronto the minute you suspect a problem with your underground plumbing.

Mister Plumber's underground services include:

• Augered water lines with no landscape damage
• Repairing or replacing of lead water lines
• Steel water lines and copper water lines
• Repair water leakage
• Increase water pressure
• Professional workmanship
• Installation & repairs

Our number one goal at Mister Plumber is the satisfaction of our customers. Our prompt response, premium quality products and professional workmanship will give you peace of mind -- without breaking your budget.

Call Mister Plumber in Toronto Area today at 416 939 1530 for all of your plumbing and sewer needs, or browse our website for more information regarding our plumbing repairs, as well as our new construction and flood control systems.

If you have any other questions or comments, please contact us.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Water backing up in the drain? What do you do?

Get a liquid or call a plumber?

Can I do it myself?

Addressing these questions before they occur is a step in the right direction that could save you time and money.

Advice from Emergency Plumber Toronto experts suggest:

Don’t buy liquid chemicals. These chemicals can erode or do other damage to your pipes. This method also is not a safe. The chemicals can mix and cause eruption in the pipeline.

Toronto plumbing emergencies involving clogs can be first treated with the coveted plunger. (Having a plunger on hand at all times would be a wise investment).

Plunging the clog free is both safe and effective. If only one drain is clogged chances are you’re only dealing with a very localized problem that can be resolved by using the proper plunging methods. Pouring hot boiling water down the drain before plunging can loosen the clog. Be sure to give yourself enough time for the water to cool down just a bit before using the plunger. This will prevent water burns if the water should squirt back up toward your face or body.

If the drain is not unclogging more than one drain may be involved. Having a tool called a snake on hand would be very helpful at this time. This tool can push through the clog releasing any matter causing the stuff up.

When all else fails, it’s time to call on an Emergency Plumber Toronto expert that deals with clogs and emergency plumbing.

Having the right resources available before the problem can save your sewer as well as your pocket. Remember, a plunger and a snake is all you should need to save, save, save. And don’t forget when all else fails a professional Emergency Mister Plumber in Toronto can take it from there.

When it comes to clogged drains, look no further. Regardless of your situation, the licensed plumbing professionals at Levi’s Plumbing will help you get your clogged drain unblocked. You can count on us for the best advice, service and emergency plumbing in the industry.
Emergency Plumber Toronto And Suburbs Service Area

Need an Emergency Plumber in the Toronto area to unclog your drain and halt the potential water damage and sewage problems that could be affecting your home?

Call us now, and we’ll come to your immediate assistance.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Drain Backup by Toronto Plumbers

Blockage of the drain pipe that connects the home and city’s drain is the most common source of sewer backup and drain backup. This blockage in the sewer line can be caused due to a variety of reasons. The most common reasons being misaligned joints, soil settlement, infiltration caused by roots and many more. Sewer blockages can also be a result of solid debris, food, rags etc. that have been flushed down the drain.

Sewer blockage can be easily detected through the floor drain. Once blocked, the level of water in the pipe will rise to the level of your floor and beyond. The discharge will rise and may appear around the floor drain eventually. The degree of backup can be checked only by professional plumbers, like us, with the help of special equipment.

Causes of Drain Backup

• Settlement of solid junk like debris inside drains
• Infiltration by the roots of trees and shrubs
• Gradual deposition of mud or pebbles on the drain joint
• Accumulation of food or any solid kitchen waste
• Accretion of things like hair, small pieces of fabric etc.

Health Repercussions From Sewer Backup

Sewer backup is often associated with a variety of health hazards. The filthy water that rises up to the drain level comes with a lot of germs and diseases too. Therefore whenever you notice your floor drain oozing water, the best thing to do is to stay away from it and call Mister Plumber plumbing service for a quick repair.

In the case that one of your family members, kids or pets come in contact with such filthy water, it is possible that they could suffer from following health problems:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Chills
• Fever
• Abdominal Pain

Treatment For Drain Backup

• Whenever you detect that your drain floor is flooding your washroom or kitchen, then call Mister Plumber Services immediately.
• Our reliable plumbers will first do a CCTV drain inspection to catch the root of the problem. This inspection enables them to find the precise fault at the exact location. Different kinds of faults have different strategies for treatment. For instance, mud settlement has a different approach and infiltration by roots has a different one.
• Once the root cause is detected, then the plumber will enforce the relevant protocol. For roots, drain snaking is employed to cut the roots. The same is applied for mud and debris too.
• However, if the settlements have become rigid with time then drain snaking will be of no use. In that case, hydro-jetting is used. Hydro-Jetting uses the  most innovative technique to clean the pipe. It can cut through the hardest dirt and roots.
• Once, the cleaning is done, then another CCTV inspection is undertaken to ensure that the pipe or the drain is free from obstructions and blockages.

How to Prevent Drain Backup?

There are many rules that people can follow to make sure that they don’t end up in this situation. The following are some preventive measures:

• Avoid putting inappropriate objects in the drain like rags or small pieces of plastic.
• Never flush solid kitchen waste through the pipe. Not only will it block your drain, but it will also deteriorate there creating foul smell.
• While gardening, make sure that your plants or trees in the yard are not directly above the pipeline.
• Call sewer service experts, like those present at Mister Plumber, from time to time to check the pipes and drains. Maintenance plays a pivotal role in the health of your pipes and drains.

Effective techniques, budget pricing and reliable plumbers are the pillars of success at Toronto’s most advanced and popular plumbing company – Mister Plumber.

So, next time when you witness your floor drain offering you water instead of taking it – call our plumbing experts in Toronto immediately and seek professional help.

Is drain backup flooding your floor with water and germs? Don’t worry!

Call Mister Plumber NOW and we will dispatch an emergency plumbing team straight away.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Drain and Pipe Lining by Toronto Plumbers

Drain lining services are integral to the efficient plumbing operations in your premises. The lateral pipes that run beneath your property can get damaged due to a myriad of reasons. These pipes are big and are connected to the main drain of the city. Since these pipes are made of metal or clay; they can deteriorate after some time. Once affected, these pipes can then pose serious repercussions for your plumbing system.

These pipes can be cured in a variety of ways, but often plumbers end up digging the entire lawn. Excavating the ground to replace the pipe can affect the property for weeks to come. We at Mister Plumber Plumbing Service, have a different solution altogether i.e. pipelining. Latest drain lining technology offers trenchless repair in minimum time.

Call now for underground drain repair through latest pipe lining technology.

What is Pipelining?

In this case, the damaged pipe is cured by lining it with an epoxy resin. This epoxy resin is then allowed to harden which creates a totally new pipe internally. With this technology in hand, there is absolutely no need to replace the old pipe by digging. We can save the old pipe and simply revive them. Our best-in-class equipment and intelligent plumbing team has carried out pipelining operations in a number of households in Toronto providing them relief from broken lateral pipes permanently.

What is Pipe Bursting?

With time, the underground pipes can burst due to excessive pressure or infiltration of any foreign item, like roots etc. Since these pipes are made of clay or metal, they can burst. In order to repair such pipes, the most effective technique nowadays is pipe lining.

How We Repair Your Home Drains – Stages of Pipelining

Pipe Inspection

First the affected pipe is inspected thoroughly with the help of a CCTV camera. It permits to identify any existing defects inside the pipe. Defects like blockage, water infiltration, collapsing etc. can be easily detected at this stage with the help of the drain CCTV camera.

Drain Snaking

Next, we do drain snaking to clear any accumulated debris from the pipe. Snaking along with root cutter cuts any infiltrated roots in the pipe. Snaking pushes the hard scum and smudges through the pipe and clears it for next steps.

Bladder Insertion

A tube bladder made up of reinforced PVC membrane is then inserted in the affected pipe. This tube is made up of the best quality membrane. It can bear a lot of pressure, going up to 30 PSI.

Epoxy Preparation

Our plumbers prepare the epoxy resin. This epoxy has to be prepared very carefully by mixing the resin and the hardener in just the right amount. Careful mathematical calculations using the diameter and length of the pipe have to be done in this step as the right amount and quality of resin is important.

Epoxy Filling

The epoxy resin prepared is now filled in to the tube bladder. From one end, the resin is introduced in the bladder. And from the other end, a vacuum is drawn.

Epoxy Bladder Insertion

Once the liner is filled with the epoxy resin, it is then introduced in the old pipe through a small excavation point or cleanout.

Tube Inflation

he tube is then held at one place with the help of air pressure of about 10-15 PSI for at least 3-4 hours. Once the liner is cured, the plumbers reduce the air pressure and take the inflation bladder out.

Another Inspection

When the tube sets into the pipe, it is again inspected with the help of a CCTV drain camera to confirm the quality and filling of the new pipe.

What makes Mister Plumber Plumbing Service Special?

• Our work promises a long-lasting warranty.
• We guarantee customer satisfaction. We won’t leave your premises, till you are satisfied. Our clients are 100% content with the work we do.
• Our smart plumbers never leave the site dirty and excavated. We thoroughly clean the area and even sanitize it.
• We are available at your service 24/7. No matter what time it is, we will be there to help you out with your emergency plumbing situation.
• The amount we charge for our work is the best in all of Toronto. Unlike other plumbing services, we do not add unnecessary charges to the repair bill.
• We work with trenchless plumbing technology thereby minimizing the property damage.

Mister Plumber Plumbing Services applies the best plumbing practices to work. This makes us the best drain and plumbing solutions company in Toronto. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert plumbing team can handle any plumbing / drainage situation with ease.

Is your pipe clogged even after snaking? Call us to offer potent drain lining technology at the lowest prices.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Toronto Plumbers DIY: Fixing a Running Toilet

A running toilet won't leave any significant damage, but it sure can be annoying. Often people will let the issue linger for weeks and continue to be woken up by the sound. There are several things you can do to remedy the situation, which I will explain below.

However, if these tips don't work, make sure to call a professional Toronto plumber.

1. Flush a Few Times

First remove the tank lid and flush the toilet a few times. You will notice a chain that lifts a flapper and allows a tankful of water to fall through the opening in the bottom. The water level will drop and the flapper drops while closing the opening. A plastic float will drop as the water drains which is connected to a valve. This valve allows water into the tank when the float is down and stops. In the middle you will notice an overflow tube that drains water out into the bowl if it gets too high.

2. See if the Flapper is Open

If you notice the tank not full or filling, the flapper is most likely stuck open. You should grab the flapper with your hand but if it stick repeatedly, then you will need to find the cause. For instance, the flapper could be catching on the drain or perhaps the flapped wedged open is on its hinge.

3. Where is the Water?

When there is not enough water in the tank, this can cause the toilet to run. Check to see if the water is at the water line and to see if the water valve in on all the way. If you find that the water valve is not on all the way, turn it on and the water should begin to fill up.

4. Adjust the Valve & Float

The float is essentially the big ball at the end of a rod and controls the valve that fills the tank after a flush. There is also a donut-shaped float that slides up and down on the overflow tube. Check the float to see if it is leaking. If it is, you must replace it. You can make this purchase at a hardware store and it's generally inexpensive.

5. Food Coloring Test

A handy little tip is to pour a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait a couple minutes. If the food coloring is in the toilet bowl, this means the flapper is not sealing and needs to be replaced.

Rather than wait and put up with the running toilet, try the quick tips above. If those don't work, call a Toronto plumber to come in and get the job done quickly. Since a running toilet is basic issue, it's a pretty inexpensive process.

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Toronto Plumbing Tips: Common Signs of Sewer Pipe Damage

Broken sewer pipes can grow into larger, more costly and severe problems later on if left undetected, as is often the case with Toronto homeowners. However, by knowing the common signs of sewer pipe damage, you can act proactively and catch these indicators before your pipes fail completely, saving you from intensive renovations.

If you notice any of these signs in your home or on your property, it may be time to have your sewer pipes inspected by the Toronto professionals.

Sudden Spike In Your Water Bill

The most telling sign that your home’s sewer pipes may have begun to break, if they are not broken already, is a sudden, unanticipated increase in your monthly water bill. This warning sign is also the most reliable, as it provides a physical record of increased water consumption on your property, where other signs can come from an array of other plumbing problems.

If you water use has been kept at a regular rate from month to month, and you still notice a spike in your water bill, it is likely that there is a leak or break somewhere in your home sewer pipes. As this warning sign is highly conclusive, you should consider hiring a plumbing specialist to inspect your sewer pipes right away, before damage can progress into larger issues. Sewer pipe repair solutions exist to resolve any cracks or fissures in your sewer pipe.

Decreased Water Pressure Or Flow

Other obvious signs of major plumbing problems, such as breaking sewer pipes, are decreased water pressures and water flows. It should be noted, however, that these two terms do not mean the same thing, and either can be measured to help detect a damaged sewer pipe.

Water flow is the physical liquid amount, or volume, of water you receive from your pipe fixtures (sinks, shower heads, etc.); a decreased flow likely means that extra water is leaking out at some point in your plumbing system, such as your sewer pipes. Water pressure, contrarily, is the physical force that pushes water out of your pipe fixtures; expanded, cracked or burst pipes can significantly lower your home’s water pressure.

Musky or Unnatural Odors

Breaks in your home’s sewer line will likely have a few adverse effects on your home, some of which are foul, musky odors. These unflattering odors are often a product of excess moisture in your home’s walls, floor surfaces or lawn, such as moisture pockets caused by sewer pipe corrosion.

If you are hesitant toward contacting a plumbing professional to inspect your home’s sewer pipes, or wary of costly home pipe repairs, don’t be. Today’s innovative trenchless technologies can fully repair old or damaged sewer pipes, and eliminate these foul odors with excellent speed for an unbeatable price. With pipe bursting techniques, they can even replace your broken pipes!

Lawn Indentations

Lawn indentations can also be the result of a broken pipe, as the increased moisture content of your lawn and unexpected water presence softens the soil and allows for warping. Even small dips in your lawn can be indicative of more serious problems underground.

It’s important to take note of these indentations and act quickly when you see them. These indentations are one of the only ways to visually diagnose sewer pipe problems under your lawn.

Lush Grass Concentrations On Your Lawn

As cracks and other damages to sewer pipes release unwarranted volumes of water on your property, one common indicator of these pipe damages is the presence of lush, dense grass concentrations. In addition to lawn indentations, these grass concentrations are the best visual signs of broken sewer pipes under your lawn. In fact, many lawn indentations caused by broken sewer pipes are filled will rich grass concentrations.

Do not fear sewer pipe repair for pipes under your lawn. With trenchless pipe repair methods, you no longer have to dig out and replace damaged pipes! Instead, trenchless pipe experts can use a Perma-liner, liquid epoxy solution to reline the insides of your damaged pipes, reinforcing them for years to come.

Persistent Clogging

One relatively simple warning sign of a broken sewer pipe is persistent clogging in your Toronto home’s drain systems. While these clogs are often attributed to gunk and sludge buildup in your home drain pipes, they can also result from greater sewer pipe problems. If you have tried clearing buildup in your drain pipes, and still cannot find the root of your clogging problem, or it persists after thorough cleaning, it is likely that you have a break in your sewer pipes.

When your sewer pipe transports waste from your home to a municipal sewer system, improper waste can become stuck in your sewer pipes and clog these pipes.

This “improper waste” includes many things homeowners often negligently throw down their garbage disposal, including:

• Extremely fibrous food products
• Plastics or plastic wrappers
• Paper products, such as plates, paper towels and containers
• Animal bone and cartilage

Damp Spots Inside Your Home

When checking your home for a sewer pipe break, it can be helpful to look for moisture spots and dampness within your home, and even damage to other plumbing systems. These wet spots are a common result of sewer pipe cracks and leaks, and you should act quickly should you encounter any. The sooner you act, the less severe your home’s sewer pipe damage will be.

Failing sewer pipes can also affect the other plumbing systems in your home, as they increase or decrease pressure throughout your pipes. Sometimes, leaks in other pipes can be the result of extreme sewer pipe buildup or breaking.

Negligence Or Old Age

Sewer pipe negligence can also lead to pipe breaking, as minor, unnoticeable factors can develop into serious plumbing problems in the blink of an eye. With regular inspection of your home’s plumbing performance, you can catch these minor issues before they develop into total sewer pipe failure; without, you’re just waiting for the inevitable.

Tying in slightly with negligence is the role of age. Simply stated, your home’s current sewer pipes, along with anything else in your home, will decline in quality with age. This is especially true for clay pipe systems established in homes built before 1980, which are due for replacement.

Conclusive Self-Inspections And Professional Examination

Detecting these warning signs is made much simpler with regular, routine self-inspections of your home pipe systems. Here at Mister Plumber, we recommend inspecting your home’s pipe performance once every month, and hiring a professional inspector annually. Why is this important? Because it can help you prevent the problem from growing out of hand, and instead allow you to find solutions while damages are manageable.

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Definitions and Explanations of Common Plumbing, Drain and Sewer Terms, Tools, Techniques and Fixtures

• ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. A black plastic pipe used in plumbing for drains and vents.

• Absorption Field: A leeching or seeping field engineered to receive septic tank effluent.

• Adjustable Hot Limit Stop: Restricts hot water output in single control faucets and showers to protect against scalding by limiting the swing to the hot side.

• Aerator: A screen-like insert screwed onto a faucet outlet. It mixes air with the flowing water to reduce splashing.

• Air Admittance Valve: A plumbing device that replaces a traditional vent to allow air to enter the pipe and equalize pressure, preserving the seal of water in the fixture trap.

• Air Gap: In the drainage system, the unobstructed vertical opening between the lowest opening of a waste line and the flood level of the device into which it empties. Its purpose is to prevent backflow contamination.

• Auger (or Closet Auger): A bendable rod with curved end used by plumbers to remove clogs from a toilet’s trap.

• Back Pressure: Pressure that resists the flow of fluid in a piping system.

• Back Flow: When water traveling from one system backs into any part of the main distribution system, usually by siphoning.

• Back Flow Preventer: A device to prevent back flow, especially into a potable water supply. Required for sprinkler systems, handheld showers, pullout faucet spouts, and kitchen sprayers.

• Backup: Overflow of a plumbing fixture due to drain stoppage.

• Baffle: An object placed in an appliance to change the direction of, or slow down the flow of air, gases or water.

• Balancing Valve: A water heater valve that controls water flow and balances heat distribution to different locations.

• Ball Check Valve: A valve that uses a ball to seal against a seat to stop flow in one direction.

• Ball Joint: A spherical assembly in shower heads that allows the head to pivot and rotate.

• Ballcock: A valve in the tank of a gravity-operated toilet that controls refilling of the tank. It is connected to a float via a metal arm. After flushing, the toilet refills until the float rises high enough to shut off the valve.

• Backflow Preventer: A device that prevents wastewater and other contaminants from flowing into the potable water supply. Generally required for sprinkler systems, hand-held showers installed in bathtubs, faucets with pullout spouts, kitchen sprayers, and the like.

• Bidet: A plumbing fixture similar in appearance to a toilet bowl used for personal hygiene. It is floor mounted, usually next to a toilet, and consists of a washing basin, faucet and sprayer.

• Blackwater: Waste water from a toilet.

• Bleed: To drain a pipe of excess air by opening a valve at the end of the pipe.

• Blow Torch: A torch used by plumbers to solder pipes, activated by pressurized fuel and air to generate its flame.

• Blowbag: A drain-cleaning device consisting of a rubber bladder with a hose fitting on one end and a nozzle on the other. The device attaches to a water hose and is inserted into a clogged drainpipe. As water is introduced, it expands to grip the pipe, and releases pulsating bursts of water through the nozzle, forcing water through the pipe to clear the obstruction. Also known as a blowfish.

• Blowdown: Partial venting or draining, under pressure, of the water side of a boiler to reduce or remove unwanted contaminants. Also the pressure drops after releasing a pressure-relief valve.

• Boiler: A sealed tank where water is turned to steam for heating or power.

• Boiler Feed: A check valve controlling inlet water flow to a boiler.

• Bonnet: The top portion of a compression valve assembly, it holds the valve in place as it is tightened against the valve seat at the other end of the assembly.

• Brackish Water: Water containing bacteria between 1,000 and 15,000 ppm of dissolved solids.

• Brass: Slang for faucets and fittings regardless of materials used.

• Burst Pressure: The internal pressure that will cause a piece of tubing to fail.

• Branch Drain: Plumbing fixture drain that leads to the main drain line.

• Bushing: A fitting that’s threaded inside and outside that joins pipes of different sizes.

• CPVC: Stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. A black plastic pipe that can handle high temperatures. Mostly used in water supply systems.

• Cleanout Plug: A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction.

• Closet Bend: A curved waste pipe fitting under a toilet that connects the closet flange to the drain.

• Closet Flange: A ring that anchors the toilet to the floor and connects it to the closet bend. Also known as a Floor Flange.

• Collar: A galvanized sheet metal restricting device used in conjunction with plastic pipe. Its function is to direct and control the intumescent action of the firestopping material.

• Compression Fitting: A kind of tubing or pipe connection where a nut and a sleeve or ferrule is placed over a copper or plastic tube and is compressed tightly around the tube as the nut is tightened forming a positive grip and seal without soldering.

• Coupling: A short fitting used to join two pieces of pipe.

• Cowl: A short fitting used to join two pieces of pipe.

• Dam: A barrier in the trapway of a toilet that controls the water level in the toilet bowl.

• Diaphragm: A flexible membrane in a valve that deflects down onto a rigid area of the valve body to regulate water flow from the supply lines. This eliminates the possibility of debris build-up within the valve.

• Diffuser: A device used to reduce the velocity and increasing the static pressure of a fluid passing through a system.

• Dip Tube: A tube inside the water heater that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank.

• Diverter: A faucet valve that redirects water from the tub faucet to the shower head.

• Dope: A lubricant used by plumbers on pipe threads.

• Drain-Waste-Vent System: A pipe system that drains wastewater from the bathroom and vents the drain system.

• Effluent: Septic system liquid waste.

• Elbow: A curved fitting, usually 90° or 45°, used to change the direction of a pipe run. Also called an “ell.”

• Escutcheon: A decorative metal flange or plate that covers and hides the supply line hole in the fixture or wall.

• Fitting: Any part that joins together two sections of pipe. Comes in many shapes, sizes & connection styles. Examples: elbows, couplings, bends, wyes, etc.

• Fixture: Anything that accepts or discharges water or wastewater: faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs.

• Flange: The rim or edge at end of a pipe shaft that aids in connecting it to another pipe or anchoring it to a surface.

• Flapper: A rubber flap with ball-like shape in the bottom of a toilet lifts to allow flushing and seals off the tank for refilling. Allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl.

• Flex Coupling: A rubber fitting that uses steel band clamps to attach to the pipe ends. Mostly used to join sections of DWV pipe, but also connects PVC to clay or cast iron pipe.

• Flow Control Valve: Device designed to reduce water flow to a plumbing fixture. Often used to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

• Flow Rate: Measurement of water flow through a plumbing system in gallons per minutes (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH).

• Float Ball: A floating device connected to the ballcock inside the toilet tank to activate or shut off the ballcock.

• Flux: A jelly-like substance used in soldering copper pipes and fittings. Applied before soldering to aid bonding and prevent oxidation.

• Galvanizing: The process of applying a coating of zinc to the finished product to provide corrosion protection. The coating can be applied by hot dipping or electrolytic deposition.

• Gasket: Flat device usually made of fiber or rubber used to provide a watertight seal between metal joints.

• Gate: A device that controls the flow in a conduit, pipe, or tunnel.

• Gate Diverter: The pop-up lever on a tub faucet that activates the diverter valve.

• Gauge: The thickness of stainless steel and is commonly used in reference to quality grades on certain types of lavatories and sinks. 10 and 20-gauge stainless steel sinks go through a number of polishing and buffing operations to ensure a beautiful finish.

• GPF: Stands for Gallons Per Flush. The rate of water flow by which toilets and flush valves are measured and regulated. Current law requires maximum of 1.6 GPF. Older styles were usually 3.5 GPF.

• Gravity Operated Toilet: A toilet which relies on the natural downward pressure of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively.

• Gray Water: Waste water from fixtures other than toilets.

• Grease Trap: A device that captures grease entering a system before it reaches the sewer lines. Usually used in commercial applications such as restaurants or cafeterias.

• Hard Water: Natural water containing impurities in various proportions. Traditional hardness is a measure of calcium, minerals or dissolved solids in a solution, measured in parts per million. Hard water generally ranges from 100 to 250 ppm.

• Hanger: A device used to support pipes.

• Hose Bibb: An outdoor faucet, also used to supply washing machines.

• ID: Stands for “inside diameter.” Measures the inside width of a pipe.

• Impeller: A rotating wheel with vanes found inside a centrifugal pump. As it spins at high speed it draws fluids in and thrusts them under pressure to the discharge outlet.

• Interceptor: A device for separating grease and oil from drainage systems.

• kPa: A metric unit for pressure. 100 kPa = one atmosphere.

• L Tubing: An industry standard for copper tubing defined by the tube wall thickness and identified by a “blue” strip. Type “L” copper tube wall is approximately 50 percent greater thickness than type “M”.

• Leach Lines: Pipes that carry effluent from the septic system out to the leach field, a porous soil area where treated waste is emptied.

• Low Consumption Toilet: A class of toilet designed to flush using 1.6 gallons of water or less. Also known as “water-saving” toilets.

• M Tubing: An industry standard for copper tubing defined by the tube wall thickness. Identified by a “red” stripe.

• Main: The primary artery of the supply or drain system to which all the branches connect. Referred to as the Main Vent in the vent system.

• Manifold: A fitting that connects a number of branches to the main; serves as a distribution point.

• Mapp Gas: A colorless, flammable gas made by combining liquefied petroleum gas with Methylacetylene-Propadiene. It is a stable, non-toxic fuel used in brazing and soldering.

• MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level – The maximum level of a contaminant allowed in water by federal law.

• Metal Fatigue: A breakage of the metal caused by the bending and flexing or the expansion and contraction of a metal part beyond its endurance limit.

• Nipple: A short piece of pipe installed between couplings or other fittings.

• No-Hub Connector: A connector for no-hub iron pipe consisting of a rubber sleeve and a stainless steel band secured by hose clamps. A variation, a neoprene sleeve with two adjustable steel bands, is used for connecting dissimilar materials, as when connecting new plastic pipe to an existing cast-iron drainpipe.

• Non-ferrous: Not containing iron.

• Oakum: Loosely woven hemp rope that has been treated with oil or other waterproofing agent; it is used to caulk joints in a bell and spigot pipe and fittings.

• Overflow Hood: On a bath drain, the decorative hood concealing the overflow.

• Overflow Tube: The vertical tube inside a toilet tank that directs water into the bowl in case the ballcock malfunctions and prevents potential water damage caused by a tank overflow. A constant running condition alerts the user to an overflow problem. On most toilets, the overflow tube also has a refill tube flowing into it, which directs water from the ballcock through the overflow tube to the bowl, after a siphon break.

• O-Ring: A rubber washer that is round instead of flat. Used in valve stems to create a watertight seal.

• OD: Stands for “outside diameter.” Measures the outside width of a pipe.

• PB: Stands for polybutylene. A bendable plastic tubing most often used to supply water to bathroom fixtures.

• PE: Stands for polyethylene. A flexible plastic supply line.

• PEX: Stands for cross-linked polyethylene. A flexible plastic supply line that is stronger than PE. In bathrooms, it is used for water supply lines.

• Plumber’s Putty: A dough-like putty that seals joints between fixture surfaces and metal pieces, such as the drain.

• Plumbing Snake: A thin, flexible length of spiral-wound metal, which is inserted into a drain and rotated to clear anything that is clogged in the pipes.

• Plunger: A rubber suction cup approx 6″ in diameter attached to a wooden dowel handle used to free drain clogs. Also known as a “plumber’s helper”.

• Pop-Up Drain: Remote control drain assembly. Also known as a “trip lever drain” for tubs.

• Potable: Water that is suitable for consumption.

• Pressure Balance Valve: A shower valve that monitors fluctuations in pressure to maintain balance between hot and cold water so that temperature remains constant.

• Pressure Head: Pressure in a plumbing system. The unit of measure which is the vertical force exerted by water at a depth of one foot.

• PVC: Stands for polyvinyl-chloride. A rigid white plastic pipe used for bathroom drain, waste and vent pipes.

• Reducer: A fitting that allows pipes of different sizes to be joined together.

• Relief Valve: A valve that opens to relieve excess temperature and/or pressure in the system.

• Return: A plumbing fitting with a 180-degree bend.

• Riser: A supply line pipe that rises from one story to the next; also the short vertical pipes that bring water from the branch to the fixture.

• Scald Guard: A valve designed to prevent extreme water temperature changes through pressure balance technology. When there is a drop in hot or cold water pressure, the scald-guard valve shifts back and forth behind the shower handle to compensate for the sudden change. This valve maintains a constant water temperature to help give you and your family a safe and enjoyable bathing experience.

• Scale: A thin coating or layer, usually calcium on the bottom of a tank or interior parts that may prevent heat transfer.

• Sediment: The substance that settles on the bottom of a water tank. Also known as lime.

• Septic Tank: A tank used to detain domestic wastes to allow the settling of solids prior to distribution. Septic tanks are used when a sewer line is not available to carry them to a treatment plant.

• Service Partner Plan (SPP): The Horizon Services Service Partner Plan (SPP) is a great way to be sure that in case of an emergency, you are guaranteed the priority service you deserve as a valued customer. Benefits, include, priority service for plumbing, heating and air conditioning calls (routine or emergency), a 15% discount on all repairs, no additional charge for overtime or emergency calls, a lifetime warranty on most repairs and much more!

• Shutoff Valve: Valves installed under sinks and toilets used to shut off water supply in the event of a malfunction or repair. Also called an Angle Stop, Straight Stop or Supply Stop.

• Siphoning: The suction or pulling effect that takes place in the trapway of a toilet as it is filled with outgoing water and waste.

• Sleeve: A pipe which is passed through a wall for the purpose of inserting another pipe through it.

• Soft Water: Water that has been treated so that it has low mineral content.

• Solder: A metal alloy that is melted to create a fused joint between metal pieces. Also the act of melting solder into the joint.

• Soil Pipe: A pipe that carries waste from toilets.

• Sweep: A pipe bend fitting used in drains to permit smooth passage of waste.

• T&P Valve: Temperature and pressure valve. A valve that opens to release excess pressure and temperature in a system.

• Tailpiece: The section of pipe that runs between a fixture outlet and the trap.

• Tee: A plumbing fitting in the shape of the letter “T,” used to connect three sections of pipe.

• Tee Fitting: A fitting that allows another pipe to be joined at a 90-degree angle.

• Teflon Tape: White tape made of fluorocarbon polymer. It has non-stick properties and is wrapped around pipe threads in a joint to create a tight seal.

• Trap: A curved section of drain that traps a small portion of water to prevent sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom. “P” traps and “S” traps are the types of traps most commonly found in bathrooms.

• Trap Seal: The water in a trap or toilet that prevents sewer gases from escaping back through the drain.

• Valve: A device that regulates the flow of water.

• Valve Seat: The immovable portion of a valve. Water flow is stopped when the movable portion of the valve comes in contact with the valve seat.

• Vent: A vertical or sloping portion of drain pipe that allows sewer gasses to escape from the house into the outdoor air and lets air into the drain system to keep air pressure balanced and prevent water in traps from being siphoned off.

• Water Hammer Arrestor: A device installed near a fixture to absorb the hydraulic shock that happens when a fixture’s supply is suddenly shut off, causing water hammer, a loud banging noise in the pipes.

• Wet Vent: A pipe that both drains wastewater and vents air into the drains. Connects two or more fixtures.

• Wax Ring: A seal located between floor flange and toilet to prevent leakage and fumes.

• Wye Fitting: A drain fitting that allows one pipe to be joined to another at a 45-degree angle.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Sump Pumps: How they work and Sump Pump Backups

The word “sump” refers to the lowest point, which in a house is the watery pit in the basement where the pump is placed. The water level you see in the sump well represents the groundwater level around your Toronto house. When the level rises to the point set by the sensor, the pump is activated and works until the level drops below the sensor line.

There are two types of sump pumps – pedestal and submersible. A pedestal pump sits on a pedestal outside of the water collection well with a sensor dropped into the water. The submersible sump pump is self-contained and is designed to float in the water pit. A submersible pump can be expected to last anywhere from five to 15 years, while pedestal models may last twice as long.

Sump pump backups

Despite your sump pump's determination, it is still a mechanical device that will eventually break down. Even more likely, it is dependent on electricity, which could suddenly be unavailable during a storm.

There are several things you can to to protect your pump and your home in case of emergencies:

Get a battery-powered backup:

If there is a power outage or your regular pump malfunctions, the backup sump pump would kick into action – assuming you have kept its batteries charged.

Have your pump checked:

Toronto Plumbers recommend that sump pumps be inspected and serviced twice a year.

Check your insurance:

Talk to your agent about your existing coverage for basement flood damage. Many policies will cover losses if the sump pump fails mechanically but not in the event of a power outage. If you're willing to pay a slightly higher premium, you can usually increase your coverage.

Where the water goes

Sump pump water is ground water, so it should not be routed into sanitary sewers. However, many homes built as recently as the 1970s do just that. Not only is this wasteful - because it puts more water than necessary into your town's wastewater treatment plant - but it increases your risk of raw sewage backup into your Toronto home.

As your main drain ages, encroaching tree roots and other blockages gradually reduce the volume of water that can travel through the pipe at any given time. You may not notice this just flushing toilets or even running the washing machine, but a sump pump produces a much higher volume of water that rushes into your sewer in a constant flow that lasts as long as the pump's cycle of activity.

If the sewer drain can't handle that volume, there's nowhere else for the excess water to go except up out of your toilets and floor drains - and now the sump water has been mixed in with sewage.

Re-routing the discharge

Disconnecting the sump pump drain from the sanitary sewer drain is an easy task for a Mister Plumber, but the greater challenge may be in finding a new direction.

If your Toronto home is close to a drainage ditch or storm sewer drain, it's an easy decision. Don't assume you can just route the water outside like a downspout and let it soak into the ground. Environmentally, that's fine, but you'll be surprised just how much water your sump pump produces each time it kicks on. You could end up creating a swamp in your back yard and make your pump work harder, because the expelled water will just seep back in.

Just as collecting rain water can be an alternative source for garden and lawn water, so too can sump pump water. But at a rate of 30 to 50 gallons per minute, your sump pump could fill up several rain barrels in a very short amount of time. And as with rain barrels, the water is produced when you don't need it.

^{source: angieslist}

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Plumbers Advice: Maintenance is Key in Avoiding a Sewer Line Backup

If you are like many Toronto homeowners, then you likely remember to address the periodic duties of home maintenance, such as having you’re air conditioning system checked, getting the gutters cleaned and winterizing your heating system. But what about having your main sewer line cleaned?

This is one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks, yet it has the potential to cause nasty water damage with expensive cleanup costs. Don’t wait to find out the hard way that the sewer needs to be cleaned.

What causes a sewer line backup?

There are many reasons why residential main sewer lines backup. Common causes are attributed to tree root intrusion, grease accumulation or pipe scale buildup. Before we discuss how often your sewer line should be cleaned, it is important for you to have an idea of the type of sewer you have.

Clay sewer lines

If your home was built before the mid 1950s, you likely have a clay sewer line. This type of sewer line was first installed using multiple sections of pipe measuring approximately three feet long with a joint at each end. With the average sewer line running 50 feet, there are a lot of joints where trees roots can enter and ultimately feed off the water in the line.

If tree roots are left to grow, they will become thick, and solids (such as toilet paper) will cling together and eventually cause a blockage. I typically recommend that these lines be professionally snaked using root cutting equipment at least one time per year.

Depending on the amount of roots pulled out of the sewer, I may suggest a strong environmentally safe chemical treatment as a follow-up to kill remaining roots and inhibit re-growth.

Fiber conduit sewer lines

From the late 1950s through the 1960s, a supposed “new and improved” sewer line was installed in residential homes. Fiber conduit, or more commonly referred to as Orangeburg, was manufactured out of rolled wood pulp and tar.

Tree root growth into these lines is rare. However, it was found over time that these lines deform in shape. Like wet cardboard, fiber conduit will slowly egg shape and negatively affect how the sewer flows.

A professional sewer and drain cleaner will choose the correct cleaning method, such as high pressure water jetting to safely and effectively clean this kind of sewer. A CCTV video camera inspection can verify if your sewer is made of fiber conduit. I recommend that these lines be cleaned at least every year, depending on how bad the line is deformed.

Cast iron sewer lines

From the 1970s up to present day, heavy-duty cast iron pipe has been the sewer line of choice. Unlike like clay and fiber conduit, cast iron has fewer joints and is incredibly strong.

The downside to this material is the formulation of pipe scale. Because the pipe is made of iron, hard rusty deposits will form on the inside of the pipe. Like barnacles on the side of a ship, pipe scale will catch solids and ultimately cause a blockage.

If your cast iron line has not been cleaned in awhile, I recommend that the line be high pressure water jetted to scour and smooth out the inside of the pipe. Moving forward, the line should be snaked one time per year.

After leaving an emergency sewer backup job, many of our new customers ask the common question, “How do I prevent my sewer from backing up again?” My response is always the same: “Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance!”

^{source: angieslist, Michael DiPalma}

Mister Plumber a professional sewer and draining company who will take the time to discuss your options and tailor a maintenance program that is effective, affordable and will keep you flowing trouble free.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

Toronto: Main Shutoff Valve Replacement

Kei fromToronto

It was Thursday evening, I got city to shut off valve from outside. Called a few plumber but everyone was booked until Monday next week. Only Mister Plumber picked up and promised a plumber by the name of Alex to be there by 7pm. Alex was not very talkative but took his time to replace the shutoff valve to a new location. The quote is reasonable because it was similar to other quotes I got. Finished in 1 hour. Promised to come back if the pipe still leaks after the city turn back on the water but it worked so it means his workmanship was good.

What could Mister Plumber do to improve their services?

Nothing. Did a good job,

Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?

Call city to shut off valve from outside before replacing the shutoff valve from inside the home. Then call plumber. City charge $78 to shutoff valve.

If you are looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Plumbers Tips About Drain Cleaning

Cleaning your Toronto home’s drain pipes with professional-level effectiveness does not have to be hard on your time or your budget. In fact, drain cleaning can actually be quite simple, if you know the proper tools and techniques you can use for at-home jobs! In this article, we’ve provided an outline for five of the most useful drain cleaning tips and tricks you can use today to improve your drain’s performance.

Hot Water and Home-made Solutions

Probably the most straightforward and harmless drain cleaning solution is hot water. Just running your faucet on its highest setting through your drain pipe can often dislodge minor clogs, and clear away grime; for drain pipes, temperature can work just as well as chemical cleaners at removing gunk and debris build up! If your sink’s water flow is not high enough, or it’s water temperature too low, try running boiling water through your drain instead.

Hot water applications are also effective cleaners for bathtub drains, where the tub faucet is directly above the drain. Just like sink faucet water cleaning, hot water run through your tub faucet can potentially clear out any grime and clogging materials within the drain pipe.

This solution is less effective for shower drains, as they receive hot water flow on a regular basis. In these cases, you may want to try a home-made, safe chemical solution.

A mixed baking soda and vinegar solution can also clear out stubborn gunk in your home’s drains, especially in shower drains that receive hot water regularly. A very effective home remedy, these solutions react to one another within your drain pipes, and can dissolve most minor clogging elements. They are also much safer than commercial chemical cleaners, which can corrode pipes and cause skin and eye damage upon accidental contact.

You Can Snake Your Own Drain Like the Pros

Another drain cleaning alternative, growing in popularity today, is drain snaking. Once considered only a professional practice, drain snakes, or augers, can be commonly purchased at home improvement stores, and are relatively simple to operate.

These snakes are fed through drains, and grab at clogs and blockages upon contact; then, they will either break away the blockage and force it safely through your plumbing, or can be pulled out with the clog material intact.

Mister Plumber go over the drain snaking process in detail, but here is a quick recap of how to remove clogs with a drain snake:

• Feed the drain snake into your clogged drains and turn the snake’s handle clockwise
• Keep feeding the snake into the drain pipe until you feel resistance
• Rotate the snake against the blockage, and capture clog materials
• Pull the snake from the drain slowly, as not to lose the clogged gunk
• Reassemble your drain cover and test drain performance

Now, you can remove clogs and grime build-up with professional efficiency!

Your Home Plunger Can Do the Trick

As you may or may not be aware, the standard toilet plunger in your home right now can be used to resolve drain clogs! Simply fill your sink to a halfway point with water, and form a tight seal around the drain entrance with your plunger.

Simply push back and forth fluidly for about half a minute, forcing pressurized water into your drain and building up pressure with every push. It can also help to smear petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger, as this improves the plunger’s suction to your sink, and creates a much tighter seal. You can also buy a specialized sink plunger at your local home improvement store, a model more efficient at removing sink clogs.

Video Inspection Can Detect Major Clogs and Build up

For more severe clogs, you can contact your local Toronto plumbing professionals and receive a professional video inspection of your drain pipes. These inspections are completed using wire snakes much like standard plumbing snakes, but in this case fixed with a small camera.

These video inspection snakes are fed through your damaged, clogged or dirty pipes, and can use video relay to detect virtually any damage, such as:

• Root infiltration
• Drain pipe cracking
• Blockages and loose debris
• Chemical corrosion within a pipe
• Collapsing inner pipes

Professional-grade video inspections of your home drains can determine whether your pipe’s poor performance is due to severe damages, or if your pipe is merely obstructed, such as by hair, oil or grease.

Toronto plumbing specialists can also use video inspection snakes to check how successful a cleaning was, and give home-owners peace of mind that their drain pipes are effectively cleaned. This innovative technology, similar in concept to the tube cameras used by surgeons and medical professionals, gives customers more accuracy and detail that they could ever expect from a plumbing service.

Keep Your Drain Clean With Routine Inspection

Something many home-owners forget is the importance of regular drain pipe inspection. These inspections don’t even have to be completed by a professional; you can self-diagnose your drain pipe performance at home, and should do so once a month. A regular self-inspection and cleaning schedule can largely prevent grime, debris, gunk and other objects from gathering in your drain pipes.

That said, you should not completely abandon professional drain pipe inspections. Most Toronto plumbing professionals suggest having a specialist inspection once a year, if not more. This is because these specialists know the signs; they know what to look for in problem areas, where to look for it, how problems develop and the ideal remedial steps you should take in you specific circumstances.

When the times comes to call a professional Toronto plumbing service, there are three key traits to look for:

• Unmatched service quality
• Efficiency and prompt service
• A fair, affordable price

Sometimes, home remedies won’t be enough to effectively clean your drains. If you feel in over your head, know when to call a Toronto plumber. If you’re experience frequent drain clogs or other performance abnormalities, or would like to set up a professional inspection of your home drain pipes today, contact Mister Plumber right now!

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Etobicoke: Backwater Valve and Sump Pump Installation (Review)

TC from Etobicoke

Vlad and his team are the best in the business!

The quote was fair, the permits properly obtained and the workers were conscientious in keeping the area clean and in order. They worked quickly and dealt with a weeping tile issue (no connection to the drain) by hand digging under the foundation wall to ensure connections were made. Vlad cares about his company, the quality of work, and his employees.

I highly recommend them for any plumbing of this sort which is giving me a great sense of relief waiting for the next flooding storm!

If you are still looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530

Toronto Plumbers Tips About Drain Repair

Before reaching out to plumbing professionals in Toronto for professional drain damage inspections, there are some handy home remedies you can try; remedies that often clear clogs or grease concentrations within home drain pipes. These simple solutions can usually be completed with items you already have in your home! Here, we have outlined ways Toronto homeowners have thought outside-the-box to resolve problems with their home drain pipes.

- Baking Soda Solutions

One of the more common home drain cleaning remedies, baking soda solutions are less damaging and probably cheaper than chemical drain cleaners. All you’ll need is regular baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour a cup of baking soda and one cup of warm vinegar down affected drains, and follow it after a few minutes with boiling water.

This home remedy is just as effective at removing clogs as chemical solutions, and much less chemically dangerous, or corrosive to your drain pipes.

- Everyday Plumbing Tools

You’d be surprised how effective everyday plumbing tools can be in eliminating drain clogs and performing repairs. ­Namely, conventional plungers, sink plungers and drain snakes. The plunger in your home right now can resolve sink and bathtub clogs, as well as toilet clogs.

Fill your clogged sink or bathtub a short way with water, and use your plunger the same way as you would with your toilet, pressing and pulling fluidly for about half a minute. Make sure to completely cover the drain with your plunger; you can also use petroleum jelly, coated on the brim of the plunger, to form a tighter seal around the drain. Move the plunger back and force consistently to build the pressure required to disrupt clogs.

Drain snakes, typically available at home improvements stores, can also be fed through drain pipes to dislodge clogged substances. Buying or renting a professional drain snake can be a cheaper alternative to hiring a plumbing specialist for your drain repair needs.

- Don’t Forget Overflow Vents!

What many homeowners forget to consider when cleaning clogs in their drains and repairing their pipes is their overflow vents. These are the open slits or holes near the brim of sink fixtures and bathtubs. These openings protect against water overflows, and funnel gratuitous water back into your plumbing system; because of this, they provide an additional air tunnel to your drain pipes, in addition to the actual drain entrance.

When unclogging a drain with a plunger, you will need to seal these overflow vents tightly to force maximum air pressure against a clog. A wet cloth usually will do the trick, and also catch any excess water trying to escape through the overflow vent. For side-by-side sinks, you may need to cover both vents (and the other sink’s drain) with a cloth, as they are likely connected to the same drain pipe. Remembering to cover these air vents is crucial for successful plunger solutions.

- Approach Clogs Like A Plumber

By this, we mean to approach clogged drains and damages from a professional plumber’s perspective; know how to navigate your pipe system, and properly dismantle or repair individual parts.

For example, many severe clogs can be remedied by removing your drain pipe’s plumbing trap. In most modern systems, this trap is known as a P-trap for its curved “P” shape. The curvature in these traps creates a water barrier between the air in your home and the unpleasant, even dangerous natural gases in municipal sewer lines. It is also in this curve, however, that grease and food debris can collect and form frustrating clogs. Plumbing traps are low-points in plumbing systems. Following the correct steps, however, removing and cleaning your plumbing traps can be a near effortless drain clog solution.

Simplified, these steps are:

• Shut off water to your drain and plumbing trap
• Use conventional tools to loosen nuts connecting the trap to the drain pipe; have a catching bucket in place for water and sludge spillage
• Use a wire brush to clear out grease and clogging agents
• Reattach the trap to your pipes, and test it by running water and watching for leaks

For a more in-depth explanation of plumbing trap cleaning, read our blog, “Understanding and Cleaning Plumbing Traps.” Plumbing professionals recommended that you regularly clean your plumbing traps, at least four times a year.

- A Sugary Solution: Soda Products

What may come as a shock to many homeowners is that drain clog solutions on par with chemical cleaners may be in their homes right now: sugary sodas, such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, can virtually eliminate buildup in your drain pipes. In fact, cleaning your drains with soda is even safer than using chemical cleaners, which can cause skin burns upon contact and damage your drain pipes after extensive application.

The powerful dissolving agents in soda products, such as phosphoric acid, break down clog materials and grease with ease. This acid can even fight through some clogs and tough debris buildups that regular chemical cleaners cannot. Once poured through your drain pipes, flush the pipes with hot water to clear out the loose grease and food materials that cause your clog.

- Easy Prevention Tips

Prevention of drain damage and clogging is actually quite simple, if you understand what can and cannot be processed through drain pipes and your kitchen sink fixtures. A simple drain filter, which catches loose debris before it can flow down drains, will essentially prevent all large material buildup in your pipes, and can be found at your local home improvement store, if not department stores.

Knowing what kitchen garbage disposals can’t handle will also help you prevent many frustrating clogs from forming. Most garbage disposals are meant to handle easily processed food waste, yet many homeowners treat their disposals like a trash bin, resulting in the need for extensive drain repair.

Just as shower drains have trouble with hair clumps, kitchen garbage disposals cannot effectively process:

• Potato and banana peels, or other food skins
• Expandable rice or pasta
• Celery, corn husks and other fibrous food products
• Plastics, such as wrappers or containers
• Animal bones and cartilage
• Paper products, such as paper towels and napkins
• Bleach, and other harmful chemicals
• Food and kitchen grease, or oil

By following these tips, you can significantly improve your drain cleaning, clog-dissolving efforts. To learn more about effective drain pipe maintenance, or what other tools plumbing specialists use to resolve home plumbing issues, contact the Mister Plumber!

If you are looking for trusted plumber, Mister Plumber in Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York specializing sewer repair, upgrade waterline, water service upgrade, drain cleaning, backwater valve installation, lead pipe replacement, re-piping and emergency plumbing, Mister Plumber uses the latest technology to effectively troubleshoot and quickly repair any plumbing problem and offers a fast response and free estimates.

More Info: www.misterplumber.ca 

Reliable and Trustworthy Plumbing services.

Call a fully-licensed, bonded and insured Toronto plumber at 416 939 1530