Taking care of the plumbing in your home is a major part of homeownership, which means you’ll be dedicating time to it over the years. As part of this dedicated task, it will be important to be sure you have the right tools for the job, and one of these tools is the plumbing snake. As the name would entail, this particular piece of plumbing gear is a flexible, serpentine line that extends through a drain or a toilet in order to not only cause a clog to be dislodged with its movement in circles, but its ridges is also able to tear away at the problem area.

They are great tools for the plumbing profession and even those in the amateur ranks, but the problem arises when you have to be able figure out when to use it.

That said, here are five ways to help figure out whether you need a plumbing snake or not:

1. The Issue is Deeper – Once you’ve determined that the clog is somewhere beyond the immediate area of what’s in front of you, the flexible length & movement of a plumbing snake is the ideal tool.

2. Check for Water Movement – If you have a problem with a clogged drains, you want to address the issue quickly, but take a moment to see if the bit of standing or slow-moving water is actually moving. This may mean that whatever is causing the issue is small. If there is no movement at all & minutes later there is little change, it may be time for the snake.

3. The Right Material – Plumbing snakes are made of metal, and that’s important to keep in mind because if you’re dealing with pipes or fixtures that are somewhat fragile, you run a risk of causing damage. However, you can address the issue away from the problem area at a different point in the plumbing that is easier to work with & less fragile.

4. You’ve Done the Easy Stuff First – ‘Easy’ is a relative term when it comes to plumbing, but when you encounter a clog of some kind, you need to be sure you approach it with an order instead of panic (emergencies excluded). Did you shut the water off? Also, you’ve tried using a less caustic/DIY clog cleaning solution but still no luck. Finally, you’ve tried using a plunger to no avail. The snake becomes the tool to go to after all of this.

5. Calling the Pros – Even though a trip to the hardware store will show a number of snakes available to the public for home use, you may still not be sure what to do regardless of the tips you get from your local hardware guy or online tutorials. This is the perfect reason to call a professional who knows how to use the right tools. Moreover, they have more heavy-duty variations of the plumbing snake that can really get the job done.

A plumbing snake, or any other maintenance tool, is only as good as the operator. Be a responsible homeowner & become comfortable with these tools, but always contact a professional local plumbing company when in doubt.

What is a Perimeter Drain?

In Canada we know it as weeping tile, though it was initially called a French drains – not because it was invented in France, but because it’s American creator was Henry Flagg French . There are lots of other names for this crucial component in a building’s systems for protection against water but, whatever you call it, boundary drainage is very important. Buried around the lowest point of a building’s perimeter, this drainage system is necessary to remove water, and the pressure it creates, from the building’s foundation.

Why is it so Important?

Residences, and other buildings, are built on foundations that either rest on the ground or in the ground. That ground gets wet and the water in the ground around a foundation can cause a lot of problems. The structural integrity of a building’s foundation is put at risk by ground water, even in locations that do not get much rainfall. Perimeter drainage systems are designed to reduce the likelihood that ground and surface water will harm your home’s foundation by rerouting water far from the foundation. Without adequate perimeter drainage, the foundation will be subject to damage that could ultimately destroy a building. Note, too, that the installation of perimeter drainage is not required only for buildings, but is important for other structures such as retaining walls, pony walls, and terraces.

Nothing is Forever

Drain tile repair frequently last ten years, sometimes longer, without maintenance, but they are subject to damage from clogging, tree roots, shifting land and other problems. Such problems commonly happen without warning and repairs normally involve costly excavation around the border of the building. If you have cause to suspect that your boundary drainage is damaged or clogged, the sooner you have the issue addressed the much better off you, your residence and your bank account will certainly be. Problems can be prevented with routine upkeep, and professional plumbers suggest having your border drain system inspected and, if need be, serviced every 5 years.

Check out this video about perimeter drainage…

If you have ever experienced a blocked drain or a leaking pipe, then you understand the importance of a plumber. The services of a plumber will ensure you do not suffer losses in your business or industry due to plumbing problems. Any local plumber who knows his stuff will be able to assess the issue at hand and identify the source of the problem. He will then fix the problem ensuring that the activities in the business can continue uninterrupted. If you are thinking of tackling the job yourself then here is a list of tools you will need to get the job done right.

There are a wide variety of tasks that a plumber can carry out and there are also specialties in the trade which require additional training.

Importance of Using Proper Tools

A plumber is required to carry out a variety of tasks, from cleaning blocked drains to installing and repairing hot water systems. For each job, a plumber should know the materials and tools that will be required to carry out the job to completion.

A plumber should be able to have some carpentry skills. These skills will be required when he has to access pipes and other fittings that are concealed behind walls or underneath. He also has to carry out some welding, soldering and cementing and therefore has to have the right tools at hand.

Plunger

A plunger is something everyone should have in the bathroom.  It is a very common tool that is required every so often. It is used to unblock toilets, sinks, bath tubs and floor drains. You create a firm seal by pressing the plunger down against the opening of the drain. Once it is pressed down, a vacuum is created which draws up the clog when the plunger is released. The plungers used to unblock toilets are usually the heavy duty strong types with a double suction cup.

Hand Auger

A hand auger is used to clear any blockage in the drain after unsuccessfully using a plunger. It is a long flexible cable made from steel wires that can easily go down the twists and turns of the drain. Once the blockage is reached, a motor is turned on and the clog is broken down into small particles. The small particles are thus able to flow down the drain. A closet auger works the same way as a hand auger only that the plumber has to manually turn it to break the clog into small particles. You can rent one of these tools from most supply shops that rent tools.

Pipe Wrench

The pipe wrench is a heavy, large tool which is used to loosen or tighten nuts and fittings. This tool has strong teeth which are used to firmly grip the fittings. You half to be careful not to ruin the finishing on the fittings when using this tool. You can do this by using a rug on the jaws before using the wrench on the fittings. Normally, a plumber uses one wrench to grip the item while the other one is used to turn it.

Hacksaws and Cutters

The hacksaw is used to cut plastic and metal pipes, bolts and nuts and other hard material. If the cut is a difficult one, the blade has to be tensed up in the blade.

A tubing cutter on the other hand is used to cut through pipes which are made from copper. The cutter comes in different sizes including the standard size and the mini-cutter which is used to cut pipes that are located in a small space.

If you’re looking to build or buy a home, particularly in any area that is damp or prone to basement flooding, one important aspect of your home will be the perimeter drains.

Perimeter drains are basically a drainage ditch covered with gravel for the purpose of directing water away from certain areas like foundations. While French drains used to be constructed using spaced tiles, they are now generally constructed with perforated plastic pipes that can carry larger volumes of water and allow water drainage out the entire length of the pipe as well.

The Job Perimeter Drains Perform

The purpose of perimeter drains around your foundation is to draw water that would otherwise sit around the foundation and wick into it, possibly creating one very wet basement or crawl space. A properly built outer perimeter drain should be at a lower level than the footings so that capillary action cannot draw the water up and through the walls.

There is also an interior perimeter drain that can be used that is installed around the inside perimeter of the basement as well. The idea with the interior drain is that unlike the outside perimeter drain, there is no dirt and sediment to plug it up, so that it won’t need to be unclogged after a number of years of use and because it’s inside, any repairs are easily made.

Many of these interior drains are basically just a gap around the perimeter of the basement walls that allow the water to collect from seepage and any humidity to drip down from the concrete wall. The big problem with this type of system is that it creates a lot of moisture inside the home and can cause mildew problems.

The French Drainage System

Interior drains can also be constructed with a new type of French drain system that is installed around the inside perimeter of the basement wall that is then covered with cement. The design allows water to drip down or collect in the pipe through the sides and be pumped away by sump pump while avoiding excessive moisture problems in the home.

The Sump Pump

The water is removed from the basement by way of a sump pump; this pump is wired into the home’s electrical system but should also have a battery backup as well. The sump pump should be maintained yearly to make sure it’s in good running order.

Any information about flooding or the state of the perimeter drainage Vancouver system should be provided to you by the homeowners. The more you know about an existing drainage system, the better prepared you will be in case you need to make any repairs to it once you live in the home; and the more you know about drainage systems in general, the better informed you will be when it comes time to put one in a home you’re building as well.

Did you know that a gas-powered furnace has a lifespan of more than 20 years? An electric furnace can run for much longer. This makes investing in a furnace for space heating in the home sound like a real bargain. The initial installation costs will be almost insignificant compared to the benefits you will enjoy for many years.

There is just one catch: Maintenance. You can’t expect the furnace to continue functioning at its optimum through the years without giving it a second thought. Furnaces are complex pieces of equipment. They need attention if they are to last as long as they ought to. Regular furnace repair and maintenance is absolutely necessary if you want your furnace to make it past half of the lifespan expected from it.

You should therefore get in touch with a heating repair local company in your area and agree on a maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your furnace is well looked after and will therefore last for much longer.

Many people avoid investing in maintenance. They wait for their furnaces to breakdown or exhibit a problem before they get in touch with a furnace repair technician. By this time the damage is extensive and the repair costs will be high. In the end, they spend much more than those who invest in annual/regular maintenance.

Regular Maintenance Helps Prevent Expensive Repairs

Do you want to save money on your furnace? You should invest in annual maintenance for your furnace. Annual checks will result in a reduced need for repair. You will therefore spend less on the total care of your furnace.

Maintenance ensures that your furnace is inspected by a technician at least once a year. The technician can identify problems in their early stages and make the necessary repairs before the problems escalate into expensive repairs. You will therefore spend less on these minor repairs carried out during maintenance.

Maintenance also involves tune-up. The technician will make adjustments that need to be made and clean any parts of the furnace that need to be cleaned or unclogged. They will ensure that all moving parts are well lubricated and unobstructed to prevent them from breaking down, wearing down or burning out. This will prevent malfunctions and breakdowns in the future as well as making your furnace to function optimally.

Additional Savings

Regular furnace maintenance also saves you money on your energy bills. Running a furnace can consume a lot of energy especially when it is overcompensating for one issue or another. It is therefore important to take the time to ensure that your furnace is always in its best working condition. Maintenance will ensure that your furnace is running efficiently. You will therefore enjoy reduced heating bills in the long run.

If you’re like most people, plumbing jobs are outside your comfort zone. When we see water overflowing a basin and blockages where it should flow freely, we’re at a loss, and our only solution is to call a plumber. Actually, most plumbing problems fall into only a few categories, and the fixes are simple enough that anyone can do them provided they have the proper tools. For tips on repairing easy plumbing issues without involving the expense of a professional plumber, keep reading.

The most common plumbing issues are usually quite simple, involve clogs and leaks and they can happen anywhere in your plumbing system. Acquaint yourself with where the shut-off valves are located in your home so that if you develop a leak, you’ll be able to turn off the water running to that area until it’s diagnosed and repaired. Just this little knowledge can end up saving you from a lot of expensive damages and repairs.

Plumbing Tools

The tools that you’ll need to fix most plumbing issues can be purchased in your local hardware store, and it’s a good idea to have the basics already on hand, because when a water emergency happens, and it will, you’ll be ready to respond immediately. Some of the items you should have include:

• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• A heavy-duty rubber plunger
• A plumber’s snake
• Plumber’s putty
• Both a regular and a Phillips screwdriver
• Simple household cleaning products, such as lemon juice and baking soda
• Slip-joint pliers
• Adjustable pipe wrench

Although the list may seem somewhat intimidating, you don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with a plunger and then add to your plumbing toolbox gradually as you can afford to.

Clogged drains are the most common plumbing problem. It’s just something that happens from time to time. A plunger is an absolute necessity as something to start with. Usually a clogged toilet or sink can be cleared by just plunging it several times. A plunger forces water and air into pipes which usually is enough to clean it out and let water run freely again. If this doesn’t work, you can try running a plumber’s snake down the drain to see if the metal tape will free it up. Once you’ve opened the pipe, run plenty of water down it to make sure it’s clean.

Plumbing snakes are available in a variety of sizes and can be rented from most tool rental outlets. Most of the tools needed for the jobs mentioned in this article are usually found lying around the house. If a plumbing problem arises and you want to tackle it yourself, you should consider investing in the tool needed at the time thereby building your toolbox as needed.

Leaking Faucets

Leaking faucets and shower heads can be removed using a pipe wrench or screwdriver. Take the fixture apart and clean every piece inside and out with a gentle solution of baking soda or lemon juice and water. Replace worn screws and gaskets. Once the faucet is reassembled and back in place, make sure everything is tight. Most times, this will correct the leakage problem. Be sure you shut off the water before tackling this job, though.

If all of this is too much or you’re the kind of person who would rather pay a professional to take care of it for you, then we suggest looking online for a Vancouver plumber near you to fix the problem for you. Most plumbing companies are reputable because word travels fast in this industry, especially when everyone is leaving reviews online about plumbers they’ve dealt with. In fact the easiest way to find a good plumbing contractor close to your home is find the names of a few companies close to your area and then search on their company name + the word reviews. You’ll find the best ones will have a number of good reviews that sound realistic. It wont be hard to stop fake reviews, so just go with your gut and research the reviews of a few local plumbers. If you live in the southeast corner of BC, we have the name of a great plumbing company in Vancouver who have been doing excellent work for decades in the Vancouver BC region. Here it is listed below

KC’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd
Phone: (604) 873-3753
1896 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC
www.kcplumb.ca

Odds are that at some point in your life you will experience water drainage issues. Whether it occurs in your basement, in your backyard, or at your place of business, these problems are more than an annoyance – they can be downright dangerous. The following article explores the results of water drainage problems, as well as the solutions at your disposal.

What Can Happen if You Let Water Issues Fester

Water drainage problems, especially when concentrated on peoples’ backyards, tend to be put off. The whole “out of sight, out of mind” mentality comes into play, because most people feel that puddles in the backyard are just that – harmless pools of water. However, any water drainage specialist will tell you the contrary.

Allowing water to collect in your backyard (or basement) can end up causing major problems in the long run. For example, in some situations a yard that is not built up properly will cause water to drain towards the home, rather than away from. The result is water collecting up against the foundation. If you have a concrete slab, this water can loosen the soil around and underneath it, causing the entire home to shift. This will not only inevitably cause cracking in your slab, but it will also result in internal damage to your home, such as:

• Cracked sheet rock
• Bowing floors
• Doors and windows that will no longer shut
• And more

Should you have a basement, look for the walls to slowly give way and begin to crack too. As these walls develop hairline cracks, water will find its way in, dampening your entire basement. Now you will have to deal with a wet basement, which almost assuredly will result in mold growth. And once mold starts growing, the spores will take flight and you will really be in trouble. As you may know, mold remediation is no small task, and it certainly puts a huge dent in your pocket book.

Finding a Water Drainage Professional You Can Trust

When you notice that you have a legitimate local drainage issue, your best course of action would be to find someone locally who specializes in remedying the issue. Of course, doing so can seem like a daunting task. Here are a few tips to make sure you get connected with someone you can trust to do a good job for you:

1. Look for someone with good references. This can take many forms. Perhaps the company will list customer testimonials on their website. You can also ask them for customer references who you can actually call. Some companies will gladly offer these. Either way, positive customer reviews increase the chances of having a good experience with the company.
2. They need an informative website. A company that does a good job will put care into their promotional materials. And in this day and age, no marketing materials are as important as a company website. Look for a company that conveys the idea that they are water drainage specialists.
3. Make sure they are in solid standing with the BBB. The BBB is the number one resource for checking out a company to ensure they are legit.