Some plumbing jobs can be done by the homeowner with the right tools and know-how. Others are best left to the experts. Installing an appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine or replacing or repairing taps, ball valves and plugs, are all jobs that can be done yourself.
The toilet supply lines in the couple’s rented home were only about ten years old. Within a year of each other, two of the three lines failed and flooded the floors with water, which found its way down the heating vents to the floors below. Luckily, this couple was home at the time and were able to shut off the water supply before it did too much damage.
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and that includes the pipes inside your house. Over the years, they gradually corrode rust and decay. When that happens, you’re going to eventually get leaks, maybe even a flood of water or raw sewage that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home and belongings. It’s far better to replace the pipes before a plumbing disaster happens.
The black plumbing pipes that stick up out of your roof are parts of the plumbing vent system. They can be made of cast iron, copper or plastic, depending on local code requirements. A plumbing vent is where you may need to look when a sink isn’t draining properly and the drain isn’t clogged.
You may have been putting off fixing a drippy faucet because you think it’s too hard, but the repair of a single-lever kitchen faucet is easy and can be accomplished in about an hour. Usually, the hardest step is finding the right replacement parts.
While sump pumps receive a lot of attention, sump pits don’t. The sump pit has to be given the same importance you would give to your sump pump. It is critical if you want the sump pump to do its duty optimally. You should clean the sump pit once a year at least. Here are a few steps on how to clean the sump pit.
Before you go about cleaning the sump pit, disable the sump pump. Disconnect the power and remove its connection to the discharge pipe.
Before you clean the sump pit, make sure that there is adequate lighting around.
Place the sump pump in a bucket, if you are able to find one that is large enough. It is recommended that you take the pump outside to clean it, as you may not want to dirty the house in the process.
Using a vacuum, remove any standing water from the sump pit. There may be sludge and you will have to scrape this out as well. The sludge might give off a nauseous smell, so make sure that there is adequate ventilation.
Clean the pump as well as you can. Reconnect the pump with the discharge line. If the pump is boxed in and you open it, any warranties may become void. So be careful.
Attach the power line to the pump. Next, reactivate the drainage system.
If you’re in need of a Markham Plumber to give you tips on sump pump maintenance. Contact WaterWorks Plumbing in Toronto at (647) 691-0022 to schedule an appointment!
Fun fact: Did you know that the first flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington in 1596 for Queen Elizabeth I? Since then, toilets have grown to be part of our every day lives. We use them every day, but seldom are they ever the topic of conversation. That is, unless you are a certified Toronto plumber!
At WaterWorks Plumbing & Drains, we love talking about toilets, drains and pipes. It’s what we do. It’s what we’re good at. However, sometimes we find the strangest things in peoples’ drains and are amazed at some of the things people have flushed down the toilet. Just because something will flush, doesn’t mean that it should be flushed.
We’re fortunate to live in North America where we enjoy an abundance of clean water (so clean that we relieve ourselves in it)! In that light, Water Works presents to you a list of things never to be flushed down toilets. This is to help you avoid drain pain! If you follow these recommendations, you are far less likely to experience clogged drains and pipes! It’s also to help you take care of the precious environment we live in. On to the list!
Baby Wipes: “Flushable” or not, throw away with diapers. They can cause clogging in sewer facilities.
Bandages: These are not biodegradable and belong in waste bin.
Bobby Pins: Never flush metal objects.
Cigarette Butts: These contain harmful chemicals and should not be flushed.
Condoms: Never flush rubber down toilets. Rubber is not good for your septic system and not good for environment.
Cotton Balls: Dispose of these in garbage along with other trash.
Dead Animals: Please no. Bury them.
Dental Floss: Floss is not biodegradable and can cause tangled messes.
Diapers: Diapers expand when wet, clogging even the best drains; landfill please.
Fabrics: Fabric is a tremendous culprit. Never ever flush clothing.
Hair: Gather cut hair and throw in compost bin. Hair is not good for drains.
Hair Clips: These are not biodegradable and are known to clogs drains.
ID/Credit Cards: Protect your identity and dispose of these properly but cutting or shredding them.
Insects: A dead or live insect is not worth wasting 3 gallons of water to flush. Just take them outside.
Kitty Litter: Kitty litter has binders that block your sewage.
Medicines: Return unused pills and other medications to local pharmacy for safe disposal.
Perfume Sample Bottles: Not biodegradable.
Potatoes: Potatoes can be shot out of potato guns, but not flushed down toilets.
Q-Tips: These are not biodegradable and are found all the time in clogged drains.
Razors & Blades: Not biodegradable or safe to flush.
Syringes & Needles: Dangerous to have in septic or sewer system, and they are not biodegradable.
Tissues: Unlike toilet paper, tissues are made to hold together when wet.
Tampons: Many types expand and have water absorbing chemicals. Wrap with toilet paper and dispose of properly in a waste basket.
Tooth Brushes: Liquid Draino will suffice. There’s no need to send tooth brushes down to clean your pipes.
Toys: Here’s one is for the kids. Never flush plastic down toilets.
Simply put, toilets are designed to flush away human waste. Kitchen disposals are designed to dispose of certain types of kitchen waste. Trash receptacles are designed for trash.
Just remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Even if a product says that it’s disposable, it doesn’t guarantee no blockages. In fact, the majority of foreign objects found in clogged sewage drains comes from disposable items. Most sewers are not designed to cope with all of today’s disposable items.
If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet in Toronto, call the clog removal experts at WaterWorks Plumbing and Drains. (647) 691-0022
As a homeowner, you face the possibility of frozen or leaking pipes, toilet and sewage problems, clogged drains and more. There are also all sorts of non-plumbing related dilemmas. While many of these home disasters require the help of a certified plumber, there are other repair jobs that can be remedied on your own if you have the right tools. Go through this list of must have common plumbing tools that every homeowner ought to have so you can tackle basic DIY plumbing projects.
Pliers are a hand tool used to hold objects firmly for bending or for compression. A good pair will serve you a lifetime, ask any WaterWorks plumber in Toronto!
Hammers are used for driving nails, fitting parts together and breaking up objects.
Also known as a test light or test lamp, a voltage tester lets you know if there is a presence or absence of electricity in a piece of equipment such as a battery or power strip.
A pipe wrench is designed to turn round pipes. A plumber’s favorite!
Commonly used for drilling holes or fastening materials together with screws. Drills can also be used in woodworking or metalworking. Various attachments are sold for power drills for different purposes.
Stud finders help you determine the location of the wooden framing (studs) behind walls.
Screwdrivers are most commonly used for driving screws or bolts, but can also be used for a wide variety of purposes like prying and widening.
Wire strippers like the ones shown here can also be used to cut wire. It’s a great combination.
Tape measures are a common measuring tool and an absolute must for homeowners.
A level uses a bubble meter to determine whether or not a surface is level.
Saws can be used in the home to cut through objects like PVC and wood.
An adjustable wrench used to turn bolts or square objects.
Plungers are one of the most commonly used tools in the home. When used right, they usually do an outstanding job unclogging drains.
A utility knife is a cutting tool that has a retractable and interchangeable blade. Replacement blades are sold separately.
A type of screwdriver that has a hexagonal head for driving Allen screws.
Commonly used to fix light fixtures, repair windows and gutter maintenance.
Vice grips are used to clamp onto objects, gripping them firmly for turning or physical compression.
A basin wrench is designed for tight spaces. When you use one, you’ll really appreciate its functionality.
For a superior finish and a job well done, use a carpenter’s square to make sure your angles are perfectly square.
Also known as a spackle knife or scraper, this tool helps smooth surfaces when applying putty or spackling in preparation for painting and finish work.
Image Sources:
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