Cochrane Plumbing Services

As the temperature drops, it's important to get your home and plumbing system ready for freezing temperatures. This means insulating, sealing, and fixing any leaks. However, some pipes may be at a higher risk of freezing due to their location in your home, such as in the basement, crawl space, or attic.

To protect these more exposed pipes, consider installing pipe insulation and heating cables. But if that's not feasible and your pipes are in danger, turn on a faucet and let it run. Running water prevents the pipes from freezing and causing damage.

If you own or rent a home in Albeta, it is important to spend a few minutes becoming familiar with the plumbing system and fixtures in your home. Finding the water shutoff valve in an emergency can be a nightmare, costing you dearly. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

1. Locate your water main valve. This valve allows you to turn off all of the water in your home. Usually, you can find it in your basement near where the water pipe enters the foundation, but sometimes it can be on an outside wall in a utility area or crawl-space. Show your family where the valve is located so they can help in case you are away.
2. Find the individual shutoff valves for each fixture in your home. Most fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, washing machines, and showers, have their own independent shutoff valve. These are often located underneath or near the fixture.
3. Find the shutoff valve for your water heater on the cold inlet pipes. All water heaters should have a shutoff valve. If you don't have one, consider contacting a professional plumber for assistance.
4. Take a tour around your basement and locate the water and sewer lines. Your sewer lines will have a larger diameter than your water lines, typically around four inches in diameter, with a screw cap on top. Some homes also have a sewer clean out, which is a capped pipe located on the property line or nearby, connecting to the lateral sewer line.
5. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks while searching your home. Leaks can cause water damage, mold, mildew, cracks in the foundation, running water sounds, damp areas, unpleasant odors, or low water pressure.
6. Inspect your home for drafts and air leaks. Use an incense stick or smoke pencil near windows, doors, structural joints, outlets, and underneath cabinets to identify any drafts.
7. Check the attic for pipes and evidence of water, particularly around the chimney, vents, or any other openings.
8. Have your furnace professionally inspected and serviced annually, and remember to change your furnace filter before winter.

Your drain system is responsible for flushing waste through a network of pipes that connect to either a sewer or septic system. Vents ensure that air flows into the drainpipes, preventing a vacuum from obstructing the flow of water.

If a blockage occurs in any part of the drain system, including the vents, you will encounter problems. Blockages are not just caused by improper disposal of materials, such as grease, food particles, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. They can also result from external interferences, like tree roots, bellied pipes, and even bird nests.

We often underestimate the importance of our drainage systems and may not give them the care they require. If you frequently encounter drainage issues, consider scheduling an appointment with a drain cleaning and inspection professional (hint, hint). With advanced technology, we can inspect your drain system from the inside of the pipes, pinpointing the exact location and cause of the problem.

The water supply for many plumbing fixtures in your home is interconnected. Using one fixture affects the pressure of the water supply being used.

Using hot water from a fixture reduces pressure in the hot water supply, while using cold water from a fixture reduces pressure in the cold water supply.

If you have set your shower water temperature to your desired comfort level and someone else flushes a toilet or turns on a tap, it will alter the water pressure in the line being used.

For instance, flushing a toilet reduces the amount of cold water flowing through the shower, while running the dishwasher reduces the amount of hot water flowing through the shower.

Once the additional fixture is no longer in use, the temperature and pressure in the shower should revert to your initial setting.

When you experience an inconsistent water temperature, it usually falls into one of two categories.

The first and most frequent issue arises when multiple fixtures and appliances use hot water simultaneously. As soon as an appliance starts using hot or cold water, the water pressure in the respective line decreases. This pressure drop causes the temperature of the fixture you are already using to adjust, either by increasing or decreasing.

If the water temperature changes without the involvement of any other fixture or appliance, then it could indicate that your water heater needs some attention.

It is estimated by some HVAC professionals that three-quarters of “no-heat” callouts can be prevented with regular maintenance. We can verify that estimate.

A variety of preventable problems can start to appear if your gas furnace is not serviced at least once a year. Most typically, these include:

• An overworked furnace – this can be caused by dusty, clogged up filters that would be replaced with any standard service. An overworked furnace can lead to inefficiency and breakdowns.
• A faulty pilot light – this can be prevented by regular cleaning (the pilot opening can get clogged). Other pilot light problems occur when the pilot light button isn’t fully pressed or the gas valve isn’t all the way open – which can both be avoided by a gas furnace service.
• A leaking furnace – this is a dangerous problem that needs immediate attention and is often due to a cracked heat exchanger or a dirty, clogged filter. If your furnace is leaking dangerous toxins like carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide into your home, this will be picked up by routine maintenance so that a larger problem can be averted.

Your home may still be at risk of basement floods, even if you or your neighbors have never experienced them before. Here are some tips that may help you prevent a flooded basement in your home.

Install a backwater valve:

To prevent sewer drain overflow and basement flooding, consider installing a backwater valve. Heavy rainfall during summer can cause the sewer system to overflow through home sewer drains. With a backwater valve, the back flow of sewer water is removed, protecting your basement from possible floods. To ensure proper installation, seek the assistance of a professional Ottawa plumbing service.

Installation of sump pit drainage system:

A sump pit drainage system is a significant tool in preserving your basement from flooding. It consists of a sump pit, a pump discharge pipe, and a sump pump. The sump pit collects water from leaking tiles around the basement, and the discharge pipe directs the water to a safe location. For effective results, contact an Ottawa plumbing professional for proper installation.

Make sure you waterproof your basement:

Moisture in the soil around your basement can cause significant water damage. Install a weeping tile system surrounded by gravel to reduce the moisture content. This helps in waterproofing your basement, preventing water damage from occurring.

Improve the drainage system around your residence:

To protect your basement from flooding, ensure that the ground around your house is built in a way that directs water away from your basement walls. Additionally, disconnect your downspouts from your home sewer system to prevent water from flowing into your basement. For proper inspection and maintenance, consider consulting a water damage restoration Ottawa plumbing company.

By implementing these measures, you can effectively protect your basement from water damage. Remember to seek professional help for proper installation and maintenance.