VanMech

Plumbing Checks To Make On A New Home

When moving into a new home, you can’t always know the condition that the electrical wiring and plumbing system is in.

Why Make Plumbing Checks?

Plumbing checks are necessary for new homes as the previous owner may not have had their plumbing systems checked in years. This is risky as it’s common for plumbing systems that have not been well maintained to become damaged easily, causing things such as leaks which can cause severe damage to your home.

In order to prevent things such as water damage, mould and mildew it’s important to have regular boiler checks. So if you’ve just moved into a new property and aren’t sure about what to look out for within your plumbing systems, then keep reading! As we’ve devised a list of things for you to look out for, and if any of these problems occur we recommend contacting a qualified plumber as soon as possible.

Leaky Taps And Toilets

Not only is this problem wasting your money, but it can be extremely annoying – especially when trying to sleep at night. A simple dripping tap, if left all day can cause extortionate extra costs on your water bills, so it’s important to get this checked before it worsens or costs you a lot more than it would to repair.

This is the same circumstances as a running toilet; an ongoing running toilet occurs when the float is set too high. If set too high, when your toilet is flushed water spills into the overflow tube which then won’t allow the fill valve to shut off – meaning that the toilet then keeps running.

Toilets alone are the main culprits of water usage within your home, so by leaving it continually running you are going to be spending ridiculous amounts on your water bills – although its a common problem so be sure to check this in your new property!

Find Out if Your Home Has Lead Pipes

Lead pipes were used widely in old plumbing, it was cost-effective and seemed to be extremely sturdy and easy to use. However, as time has progressed, we have discovered how toxic lead is to human bodies at high exposure. If your drinking water is travelling through lead piping, then it’s possible that the lead is contaminating your clean water.

Lead in a high enough quantity has the ability to cause death, so if you think that your home was built before the 1970’s, then we would recommend contacting a plumber straight away.

Check All Your Pipes Are Insulated

During the winter months, it’s easy enough for your pipes to freeze up. You should check that your pipes have been lagged and are protected from harsh weather such as rain, snow and ice. As well as this you should ensure that your hot water tank is insulated.

In the event of your plumbing pipes freezing up you should try and defrost them. Most people call out plumbers in the case of this simply because they don’t know what to do. Using a hairdryer, you can hold it on your pipes from a reasonable distance, and it will begin to defrost the pipes. Although it may take some time, it stops you paying fees for a plumber to do the same thing.

Check For Water Damage, Damp And More

Damp is a severe issue within a home; it’s unlikely that you’re going to move into a house after being made aware of it having mould. But sometimes people are really good at hiding their home imperfections, so we recommend taking a good look around the house before making an offer or moving in.

Damp is normally hidden in home extensions; this is in the case of where the home extension has been fitted improperly by cowboy builders. So we recommend using qualified builders for any property extension work to reduce the possibility of a botch job.

Damp, mould and mildew can cause serious health issues, especially for those with respiratory issues such as asthma. So we suggest checking hidden places such as behind wall cavities and in lofts and garages to ensure that there is no damp or mould in your home. As well as this look out for problems caused by leaky roofs and water damage in the property, this can also cause issues and can make it hard for you to sell on your property in the future.

Water damage can also be caused by leaky pipes, so check your home’s pipes to avoid the risk of them leaking into your home.

Locate Your Internal Stop Tap

It’s important to know the location of your internal stop tap; it’s the only thing that can completely stop the flow of water into your home. This important in case there is a problem with your homes plumbing work, and you have to turn the water off, in certain instances, this could be the only thing that can stop water damage in your home during a leak or flooding.

So it acts an emergency stop button for your water system, it’s important that you also make your family aware of its location in case there’s a situation that may require the need for them to turn the water off. Whether your children are home alone or your neighbours are watching your home for the weekend, it’s important that you point out its location just as a precaution.

Your plumber may use the internal stop tap during repairs or boiler replacements as they will need to stop the flowing water in your home.

Check Your Home’s Plumbing!

So whether you’re putting your own home up for sale, or you’re moving to a new property it’s important that you check all of these things to ensure that your homes plumbing is in safe working condition.

 

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by VanMech

Winter Plumbing Tips

Unfortunately, the freezing weather is almost upon us. Which isn’t good news for our home plumbing and pipework, it’s time to learn some plumbing tips to save your pipes from being damaged and needing costly repairs.

What Are The Best Plumbing Tips?

Plumbing tips are vital to know; this won’t help you fix your plumbing system if it becomes damaged – but will help you take the correct steps beforehand to prevent damage. The cold weather is now almost upon us, with freezing temperatures on the horizon it’s essential that you take the correct precautions to protect your waterworks and property from water damage or freezing damage throughout cold weather.

You may not pay regular attention to your pipework, but be sure to remember that your home has a lot of external pipework as well as the pipes inside your home. These pipes are exposed to a lot more bad conditions due to coldness, wetness and freezing. We recommend you take the most care of these external pipes before the weather hits. So if you want to ensure your plumbing system stays in perfect condition this year, then keep reading. We have composed a list of plumbing tips to help keep your property in tip-top shape this year.

Disconnect Any Hoses

You mainly use your hoses during the summer months for recreational reasons, plant watering and plenty of other things. Then you leave them strewn on the floor still attached to the wall. This is a big plumbing mistake! Although the water supplies to the hose it stopped, water will still trickle through or could be present in the hose.

During cold weather, once the temperature becomes low enough, it will freeze the water in the hose pipe. In worst case scenario this ice will build up pressure in your hose over time and eventually could end up backing up into your property. If this happens, this can cause water damage to your home or cause a pipe to burst, which can affect the rest of your property’s pipework. To avoid this ensure that you always disconnect your hose from the water fixture, and if you are going to store it outside then be sure to drain it of any excess water.

Shut Off All Outdoor Taps

Similar to the issue of hoses, even once you disconnect the hose, this issue can still happen int he taps in your garden. Mirroring the hose situation, the water isn’t coming out of your external tap, but is still sat in the entrance of the tap in case it is turned on.

As the water sits in the tap through the freezing weather, it becomes likely for the water to freeze up inside the tap. Once this happens, it can back up into your home and cause a cracked or burst pipe. If left this makes your property vulnerable to water damage and leaks. You can avoid this issue by draining the tap pipes and shutting them off.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your pipes is an essential part of keeping them warm and working during the cold months. Even the pipework in your loft is susceptible to being frozen in extreme weather, so ensure you have insulated pipes both inside your home and out.

There are many different types of pipe insulation that vary depending on the use, which type of pipe is being insulated, and the severity of the weather in which they are found. Ensure that when fitting your pipes with insulation, that it is the correct size and has a snug fits. Any gaps in the insulation or loose fittings will not insulate the pipe properly, and you could still end up with pipe damage issues. If a pipe in your loft was to burst, this would cause extreme issues for your property. Water damage starting in the roof often goes unnoticed and can cause rotting or mould to grow in the cavity insulation. Be sure to keep a close eye out and to regularly check the pipework.

Regularly Run Your Taps

Running your home taps is often something homeowners don’t want to do as it seems like a waste and will cost them on their water bills. However, the cost of running your water for 2 minutes is considerably less than the cost of paying for plumbing repairs.

Over time, especially more so in the winter, your taps will build up with pressure in the pipework. You can reduce this just by running your taps, both hot or cold. Although it will slightly add onto your water bills, the cost of repairs for your entire kitchens plumbing work is significantly more than the cost added on to your energy bills.

Open Your Kitchen Cabinets

Despite the amount of heat that is in your home, your kitchen cupboards and restricted access parts of the kitchen will not receive this heat. Just by opening your kitchen cupboards and allowing some warmth into underneath your kitchen sink can warm the pipework up.

This works exceptionally well as it’s not high heat suddenly on the pipework, its a subtle, persistent heat that can help keep your pipework at a steady temperature.

Get A Smart Meter

Within the winter months, you will be using your heating considerably more, and your boiler will be hard at work. It’s vital that you keep track of your spending to not go overboard on the price of your energy bills. Smart Meters can help you track the cost of your boiler and how much your heating has cost you for the day.

A lot of our clients gave us the feedback that they spotted they needed boiler repairs just from the prices on their smart meter showing up a lot more expensive than they usually are.

Start Preparing Your Plumbing For Winter

Using these top tips, you can organise your plumbing works and prepare them for the freezing weather during the winter months. We hope that this article was helpful, if it was then why not share on social media?

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by VanMech

What Is Plumbing Emergency?

In most homes the plumbing system is built with these three things, namely the water supply system, the central drainage system and the fixtures and the appliances.

Your main supply line in home makes the water available to all the taps in a home which is done either through the municipal corporation or some private suppliers. The municipal corporation sets up a meter to measure the amount of water used in the home, business, industrial and accordingly then they charge the bill.

24 Hour Emergency Plumber & HVAC. Is Your Plumbing Problem an Emergency? That’s a Great Question….

A question we get a lot from our customers is, “When should I call for an emergency plumber?” Generally, a plumbing issue qualifies as an emergency if it threatens the health and safety of your family or the integrity of your home. Such severe problems must be dealt with right away.

Our licensed plumbers serving Across Canada have extensive experience handling all kinds of plumbing and HVAC emergencies, including:

Water heater leaks

Leaking pipes

Blocked drains

No hot water

No water

Burst pipes

Frozen pipes

Sewer line backups

Overflowing toilets

Contact us today for all your plumbing and heating needs.

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by VanMech

4 Most Common Types of Water Heaters

Is there a requirement of a water heater in every home? Yes, of course. Why? Since the temperature in Canada is extremely cold, most of the time, the use of water heaters is quite necessary. Due to this reason, people commonly prefer to take a bath using water heaters to feel relaxed and feel better after a hectic day.

If you are planning to buy a new water heater, the following are the most common types of water heaters

1. Storage Tank Water Heaters

They are conventional heaters that consist of a tank, which stores the water to be heated. Therefore, it is also called as the ‘hot water storage tank.’ They are generally provided with insulation to increase the rate of the heating process, decrease energy consumption, and also, maintain the much-needed temperature of the water inside the tank. It can be easily installed at your home by emergency plumbers.

2. Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters provide water heating without the need for storing the water into the tank. On average, a tankless water heater uses 30% less energy, compared to a storage-tank water heater. A tankless water heater makes use of either an electric element or a gas burner for the water heating process. In case if there is any technical fault related to these water tankers, you can get it checked from emergency plumbers.

3. Heat Pump Water Heaters

In the case of heat pump water heaters, the heat is absorbed from either air or from the ground to heat water. Hence, a heat pump water tanker is 2 to 3 times more energy-efficient than an ordinary water tanker. Heat pump water heater consumes 63% less energy than a typical water heater. Therefore, it is one of the most commonly used water heaters around the city.

4. Solar Powered Water Heaters

As the name suggests, solar power water heaters make use of solar power for its operation. Typically, a solar heater converts the sunlight into heat power for the purpose of heating water by making use of a solar thermal collector. It is thus generally placed on the terrace or at any place where the sunlight is readily available. It is one of the most advanced types of water heaters and can help you save a large amount of electricity on a yearly basis.

From the information given above, you can simply figure out that there are various types of water heaters available in the market and you select any of these heaters as per your convenience. In case of the installation of a water heater, you can directly approach any emergency plumbers in your city or simply get in touch with us.

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by VanMech

Signs Of A Good Plumber

A good plumber can be hard to find these days, so many people are hiring not trained apprentices or posing as qualified plumbers and carrying out shoddy work.

Why Hire A Good Plumber?

Unfortunately, a cowboy plumber could end up being your worst nightmare. The damage they cause is often extensive, and it can be challenging to get your money back as they disappear without a trace. Poor plumbing work can cause serious issues in your property; you could end up spending way more than you anticipated and can have extensive damage to your property from floods and pipework back up’s.

If this happens to you, it can be really frustrating and hard to come to terms with the damage that a cowboy plumber has done to your home. A good plumber takes pride in their work and shows it off extensively – you can most definitely tell the difference between shoddy plumbing work and high-quality plumbing fixtures even without any plumbing experience! So if you have had your fair share of awful plumbers and want to know how you can spot good plumbers, we have devised a list of the common qualities of an experienced, qualified plumber. So keep reading!

Make Sure They Have Accreditations

Most of the time, dodgy plumbing work often includes boiler servicing, which can leave you in an extremely dangerous situation if not carried out properly – you are susceptible to gas leaks and even Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Most certified gas engineers will have accreditations to back up that they are qualified to carry out servicing, repairs and boiler fittings.

If your plumber can’t provide you with any proven accreditations, we recommend using a company that does – as this means they are either not experienced enough to be eligible or aren’t even qualified enough to apply. You can typically locate plumbers with approved accreditations on sites, or plumbers will normally advertise their accreditations on their website to show customers that they are accredited and qualified. If a plumber approaches you claiming that they can carry out boiler work, yet they are not gas safe approved – do not use them as they could put you in danger.

Straight Pricing

If a plumber provides you with a straight, honest price after taking a look at the job, then this is the sign of a good plumber. Often cowboy plumbers will provide a number of quotes, and if you refuse to pay or think that the price is too high, they will knock more off of the price so that you pay.

As well as this, while they carry out work in your home, bad plumbers will often find more things to do or make up scenarios to charge you more money. The reality is that they think homeowners have no idea of what they’re talking about, but it’s common sense. If you are seeing prices add up yet you have no proof any work is being done, or the plumber cannot keep you updated with the process, the likelihood is that there are no extra issues. Never pay a plumber upfront, this gives them the perfect opportunity to disappear undetected with your money, always wait until the job is completed and is of a good standard.

Punctual And Well Presented

If your plumber turns up looking like they have just rolled out of bed, this should immediately be a warning sign. Generally, people who provide good quality work, represent this in their appearance. By this we mean if your plumber has turned up in old raggedy clothes and not uniform, this could be a sign that they are not who they claim to be. Most plumbing businesses have plumbing uniform to make them stand out from the rest and to represent their company.

As well as this, if your plumber is coming and going as they please at different times daily, this is unacceptable. Or if they are just not turning up at all, this is a prominent warning sign. Cowboy plumbers often replicate their quality of work in their behaviour, those who take pride in their career and pride themselves on providing high-quality plumbing work are often on time and prompt – however if life does get in the way, and your plumber does get held up, they will keep in good contact and make you aware as soon as possible.

Testimonials

What better way to judge the quality of a plumbing company than from those who have had previous encounters with them. Of course there is room for human error, and unfortunately, people do sometimes love to be slightly dramatic. So not all plumbing companies are going to receive 100% reviews each and every time.

However, this does not mean to say that if your chosen plumbing companies have received plenty of negative reviews from previous customers that they are reliable. Most people will be brutally honest in reviews and speak the truth, if you come across a company with the majority of their reviews negative – steer clear as this is often a good warning sign!

Leaves No Mess

When being a guest in somebody’s home, even to carry out slight plumbing maintenance it is essential that you treat the residents, as well as their property with the utmost respect. This includes cleaning up after yourself as if it were like you were never there. It is rude and unfair to make a mess in somebody’s home and to leave it there for them to tend to.

A good plumber will always leave their workstation like they were never there, boiler installations and general plumbing work can be messy, but a qualified and high-quality plumber will always ensure that it is cleaned up.

Find Yourself A Good Plumber Today!

Now using these to tips you can ensure that you locate and hire a competent, qualified plumber rather than a cowboy plumber. If you need boiler repairs please be sure to contact a member of our team today! We hope that this article was helpful, if it was then why not share on social media?

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by VanMech

10 Common Plumbing Questions and Answers

Plumbing problems are expected. Some plumbing issues are common in almost every home. It may be minor or major plumbing problems, but for some reasons, these issues are commonly experienced by a lot of people.

We have put together 10 of the most common plumbing questions and their solutions.

If you run into any plumbing problems and you require the help of a professional, do not hesitate to place a call to Vanmach Plumbing and Heating. We have a team of trained and experienced plumbers who are skilled at handling different plumbing issues no matter how complex; we are also equipped with the right tools and most modern technology to deliver professional plumbing services. Place a call to us whenever those plumbing emergencies occur, and we will be right at your doorstep to fix your plumbing issue within the shortest time possible.

1. Why Is My Water Cloudy, And How Can I Fix It?

Opening up the tap and seeing cloudy, milky water rush out can be alarming. However, you should not panic, as several factors can cause this to occur, and some of them include:

• Dirt

Dirt or tiny particles can find its way into your water supply and cause cloudiness. The cloudy look may be caused when particles of sand or dust are suspended in the water. Although the water may look unhealthy, it may be drinkable and harmless. To clear up the water, try treating it with a sediment filter, or you can place a call to Emergency Plumber Vancouver for help.

• Sulphur

This becomes a likely cause if there are a rotten egg smell and a cloudy water look. If the smell is present, it means hydrogen sulfide is present in the water. The sulphur bacteria thrives in plumbing areas with little oxygen and rotten organic matter. The bacteria produce the hydrogen sulfide gas, and it can get trapped in the water system. Sulphur is not a threat to human health, but it is advised you have your water tested to be sure it is safe.

Before the odour and cloudy appearance are removed, the source of the bacteria must first be determined. Sometimes, the chemicals in the water heater can be the cause. If so, the heater should be serviced by a plumber.

If the water heater is not the cause, then the water source should be provided with enough ventilation. Also, a home infiltration unit should be installed to eliminate sulphur bacteria.

• Bubbles

Bubbles are also one of the most common causes of cloudy water. As simple as it may sound, air bubbles can often be responsible for murky water, especially in cold periods - the changes in temperature and pressure combine to create air bubbles in the water. This air bubbles are harmless and will rise to the top and disappear if the water is left in an open container or glass for a long time.

 

2. Should My Water Be Turned Off When I Go On Vacation?

Leaving the water valve on when you travel is risky. This is because there will not be anyone around to use; it does not mean that accidents cannot occur in the form of leaks or burst pipes. A small leak can escalate into house flooding if left unchecked for a long time. If you can remember to pack all your essentials in preparation for your trip, and also remember to turn off the gas valve or electricity, then the water valve should not be exempted.

Your vacation or trip can be completely ruined if you should receive a phone call from a neighbour, informing you that your house has been flooded while you are away. The best thing to do is to turn off the main water valve before you leave the house for your trip. Although this is not a necessary precaution, but it will grant you some peace of mind while you are away.

 

3. Where Is The Main Water Shut-Off Valve?

Everyone should know the location of the main water shut-off valve, in case there is an emergency. To control the water flow when there is a leak or burst pipe. It is also essential to know the location of the main water shut-off valve so you can easily cut off water flow when you are leaving the house or going on a vacation. Locating your main water shut-off valve should not be a piece of work, you can look at some specific places to find them— here are some clues.

• Check near the perimeter.
• Check three feet below the ground level. An excellent place to start is the basement. If it is in the basement, it should be at the eye level or lower. But, if it is on the main floor, you will have to look down.
• Find the outdoor water meter and check from the nearest point of the exterior of your home. Water lines usually take the shortest path from the water meter to the house; the shut-off valve should be at the meeting point of your house and water-lines.
• Check your home inspection report. If you had your house inspected by a home inspector when it was bought, the location of the main water shut-off valve should be in the report.
• It is not common for water valves to be hidden behind drywall. However, if there has been any renovation, your valve may have been hidden behind an access panel - search for an access panel in your walls.

If you still can not find the main water shut-off valve, then you should call a professional plumber for help in finding the main water shut-off valve.

 

4. Why Does Water Leak Through The Ceiling From The Light Fixture?

If you have noticed that the light globe above your dining table or your light holder above the kitchen is filled with water or is gradually filled up with water. You should try to relax, even though this may be enough to incite panic. This situation is merely an indication that you have a leakage somewhere - it is only a plumbing emergency that can be rectified.

Place a call to Emergency Plumber Vancouver, and our expert plumbers will be right there to help you fix it, In the meantime, you can take the following steps to have it corrected:

• Do not turn off the light; instead, go directly to the breaker box and cut the power supply.
• If you can locate the source of the water, shut it off immediately. If you do not know the source shut off the main water shut-off valve.
• Do not attempt to touch the light or drain the water in it - it can cause electrocution.
• Call for professional help immediately.

 

5. Why Is My Water Bill So High?

A hike in the water bills is not pleasant news. You may have created a budget for the month only for the water bill to come in at such price. What could be the cause? A ridiculously high water bill can be as a result of any of the following factors:

• Leaky taps or faucets

This is the most common cause of increase rate in water bills— a dripping faucet wastes water and causes an increase in the utility bill. It has been noted to waste more than 3,000 gallons of water yearly.

• Leaking Toilets

Toilets account for 24% of the water we use daily, you can imagine the damage it can cause if there is a leak. It has been estimated that a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.

• Inefficient Fixtures

Outdated plumbing works are the causes of leaks and other plumbing problems. If you are experiencing a hike in water bills, it may be time to have the outdated plumbing works replaced.

• Leaky Line

An increase in water bills can be caused when the underground water pipes in your home are leaking or loose. These can be caused by tree roots activity, animal activity, or even earthquakes.

• Water Waste

Your water bills may be high because water is used recklessly. Some acts that could result in this waste include overwatering your lawns or taking long showers.

• Leaky Irrigation System

A leak in the sprinkler system of your lawn may be the reason for your high water bill. If it is, then you should have it replaced.

 

6. Why Should I Disconnect My Hose During Winter Even If It Says Frost-Free?

Although your spigot says frost-free, you should still have your hose remove during winter. This is because, when the hose is used, water is present in it, and it remains there even when the hose is turned off - during winter, the water present can freeze and cause the pipes to crack. With a frost-free spigot, the crack will not be noticed, and water may get into your home while you are out. All this can be prevented if you disconnect the hose from the spigot.

 

7. I Have A Sewer Smell In My House, Why?

If you notice a slightly uncomfortable sewer smell in your house, it is maybe caused by one of the following;

• Dry Trap

Some may not know, but the water in the U-trap of the toilet bowl serves as a barrier to sewer odour. If you notice a sewer smell, it could be that the water in the U-trap has dried up - run some water into it to recreate the barrier.

• City Sewer

If the offensive smell comes from outside the house and not inside, then it can only mean the city sewer may be having plumbing issues, or that there could be drains problems in your home. Contact Emergency Plumber Vancouver immediately, and we will be at your doorstep within the hour to help you check it out.

• Sewer Trap Plugs

A missing or loose sewer plug is the most likely reason for a sewer smell in your house. The sewer pit contains a house trap that serves as a barrier between the city sewer and your home. If the plug on this trap is loose or gone, the odour from the city sewer can travel into your home. When this occurs, you only have to replace the plug, and the air will clear out.

 

8. Why Do My Pipes Bang When I Use My Appliances?

This merely happens when changes in water pressure cause the pipes to jerk as the appliances are used. It can only occur when the pipes are not fastened properly. Ignoring this noise created by pipe can cause further damage to it over time. However, you can control it by:

• Strapping the pipes in place using pipe straps
• Installing water hammer arrestors, primarily when the pipe cannot be located.
• Call for help from a professional plumber

 

9. Quest Piping: Why You Can’t I Have It In My Home?

Quest piping used in the late 1970s  and up to the mid-1990s for home constructions - is a brand name for polybutylene, or more commonly known as poly pipes. Although it is still available, one of the significant problems with this product is that it lacks durability - it wears away from the inside due to the oxidants present in the water, because of this problem, it is impossible to detect until a leak occurs. The leak is usually severe because most of the pipes have already been deteriorated.

 

10. A Well Pump Uv Light: What Is Its Use?

A pump UV light is used by house owners to treat water for bacterial organisms. It is highly effective, as it can kill about 99.9% of all biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses etc.

It functions by removing the contaminants from the water as it passes through the UV rays - through this process, the organisms are left inert and unable to reproduce because their DNA has been altered.

 

Emergency plumber Vancouver is available and ready to provide answers to any questions you might have concerning plumbing. We are your go-to plumbing company whenever you have any plumbing emergencies in Vancouver. Place a call to us today, and our team of professional plumbers will be at your doorstep within the hour to help you fix your plumbing issue.

Give us a call today!

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by VanMech