op 5 Plumbing Problems to Watch Out for this Winter

Kitchener Plumbing Repair: Top 5 Plumbing Problems to Watch Out for this Winter

5 Plumbing Issues To Be Aware of This Winter 

While it is wise for homeowners to be aware of plumbing problems throughout the year, more problems tend to arise during the colder months. Hence, paying attention to your pipes in the winter is particularly important. While plumbing services in Kitchener are available to help you fix any issues that arise, it is always a good idea to catch a problem early before it turns into something catastrophic. Here are five plumbing issues to be aware of this winter.

1. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most significant plumbing issues that come up during the winter. Many homes in colder regions of North America are built in a way that protects pipes against the elements, but some are not. The first sign of a frozen pipe usually occurs when you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water, or no water at all, comes out of the tap. Frozen pipes pose many hazards to a house, including:

  • Preventing residents from accessing water needed to do laundry, wash dishes and take showers
  • Bursting, which means that the homeowner now has a costly repair to deal with 
  • Flooding the home, which can damage items and pose a danger to residents

While there are some things that homeowners can safely do to help prevent frozen pipes, such as letting the faucet drip overnight, always contact local residential plumbing services to assist once the pipes are frozen. Be aware that both indoor and outdoor lines are at risk of freezing.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains arise not so much as a result of the weather outside, but rather from the increase in cooking that takes place over the winter holidays. Often, people are unaware of what items should not go down the kitchen sink, even when the sink has a garbage disposal attached. These items include:

  • Used coffee grounds
  • Cooking oil and grease from frying pans and other cookware 
  • Bones left over from pieces of chicken, turkey and other meats

Avoid letting a clogged drain ruin your holiday gathering by being aware of the waste that you put in your sink. If you encounter any issues with clogged drains, contact residential plumbing services to prevent further mess.

3. Water Heater Headaches

Residents rely on their heating systems during cold Canadian winters to keep them safe and warm. The water heater is no exception, as it works harder to provide warm water for showers, washing clothes and cleaning dishes than the appliance does in warmer months. A professional from one of the many plumbing services in Kitchener can advise you on whether or not it is time to replace your current water heater, as well as provide regular maintenance so the heater continues to work properly.

4. Backed-Up Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are generally located in the basement of a home and help to prevent flooding in the building. Flooding is an issue when snowy climates start to warm and experience snow melt. To keep your sump pump working properly, ensure there is nothing inside of it that could cause a clog. Even if you do not live in an area that receives a lot of snow and ice, it is important to keep an eye on your sump pump if there is increased rainfall in your weather forecast.

5. Basement Flooding

If your sump pump fails, you may experience basement flooding. Flooding can also occur if you have cracks in the foundation that allows water to seep underneath your home. Help prevent this by keeping snow away from your house and repairing any cracks in your walls.

Contact the professionals at CJ Brubacher Ltd. if you experience plumbing issues this winter despite taking the necessary precautions to prevent problems.

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Services

Signs You Need Commercial Plumbing Services in Kitchener

Plumbing Services in Kitchener: 3 Signs You Need a Commercial Plumber

Commercial plumbing systems are robust, according to plumbing services in Kitchener. In most cases, a commercial design is more durable, made from higher grade materials, than residential systems.

A commercial system demands more use than a residential system. The number of users varies daily but is significantly greater than in residential properties.

The higher grade materials of a commercial system usually contribute to a system’s reliability, but plumbing, regardless of caliber, is not infallible. Commercial properties often experience plumbing issues that require quick action to resolve.

In-house maintenance or janitorial staff can mitigate minor problems, but some issues require a more experienced hand. Licensed plumbers suggest a minimum of three problems that require immediate attention, especially if you want to reduce the risks of significant water loss.

1. Slow Drains or Toilet

Efficient drainage is a requirement of plumbing systems. Water in any fixture — sink, toilet, or drain — should empty quickly and predictably. If a toilet or other fixture is experiencing a slow drain, it is a sign of a clog.

A plumbing system can have minor and severe clogs. If a single fixture drains slowly, the system likely has a minor and localized clog. Most minor blockages will require minimal effort to evacuate. If slow drainage occurs throughout the property, the system likely has a severe blockage deep within.

Severe clogs often require commercial equipment with extended reach and power to clear. Licensed plumbing services will have the necessary tools to resolve any problem.

An important side-note: the longer a company waits to resolve slow drainage, the worse the problem can get. Minor clogs can develop into significant blockages, resulting in risks of backflow.

2. Yellowish Water

A plumbing system should supply clean and clear water when connected to a public system. Occasionally, a property’s water supply can turn reddish brown if the city is working on major pipelines. Other than minor exceptions, a building should experience reliable, colour-free drinking water.

If the water is yellowish or brown, do not drink it or use it. The colour signals deterioration or corrosion in the supply line.

Corrosion is usually a result of age, and the yellow hue of the water suggests pipe material and mineral deposits seeping into the water supply. Unfortunately, yellow or brown water indicates it is time to replace the system’s pipes.

A professional plumber should inspect the system to determine the cause of the colour change. Only a licensed professional can determine potential solutions.

3. Constant Drips

Commercial properties have multiple bathrooms. Without adequate maintenance or janitorial services, staff may leave many minor problems unchecked and unmitigated.

Constant drips from faucets do not always represent significant or costly repairs. In most situations, a leaky faucet results from worn-out fixture parts.

The problem is not the repair cost but the neglect of the issue. A little drip may not seem like much of an expense, but when you multiply that drip by several days and faucets, a commercial facility can experience a hike in utility costs.

Staff needs to check facility bathrooms daily. Minor issues like faucet drips should not cost a company hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Professional Services Can Help

Whether a commercial or residential building owner, plumbing systems are vital to smooth operations. The integrity of the system equates to the functionality of the property.

Routine maintenance and assessment help ensure an operational system. Some companies outsource maintenance and janitorial tasks, meaning routine plumbing updates are unlikely.

It is best to hire commercial or residential plumbing services to inspect systems at least twice per year. Biannual inspections can shed light on potential problems before they become costly disasters.

With an A+ BBB rating and years of proven service, CJ Brubacher Ltd. is a recognized and trusted plumbing service. Contact their offices to schedule a plumbing assessment or system cleaning.

Kitchener Plumbing Repairs: 3 Signs You Need a New Shower

Kitchener Plumbing Repairs: 3 Signs You Need a New Shower

How Do You Know When You Need a New Shower?

Generally speaking, showers are built to last several decades and do not need to be replaced often. However, frequent use may put wear and tear on shower components, and they may wear out more quickly as a result. If your shower is reaching the 20- to 25-year mark soon, you may need to think about calling plumbing services in Kitchener for a replacement. However, if you notice any of the following signs of shower trouble, you may need to look into residential plumbing services right away.

Sudden Changes in Water Temperature

Sometimes when a shower is wearing out, it may have difficulty sustaining hot water in a constant flow. Therefore, you may be enjoying a nice, hot shower when suddenly the water turns cold. This is an unpleasant surprise that may seem to happen at random. However, if you investigate it further, you may find that it often happens when another device in the house is using hot water elsewhere.

The problem could be an issue with the shower valves wearing out, or it could be an issue with the water heater. In either case, you can call for plumbing services in Kitchener, and a licensed professional will be able to assess the problem, diagnose its cause, and recommend the necessary repairs, whether they be to the shower valves or the water heater itself.

Leaking Water

The fittings and bolts for an old showerhead may loosen over time. This is the most common reason why showerheads start leaking. Another possible reason is a buildup of sediment inside the showerhead. In either case, leaking showerheads or tub faucets can cause big problems. You have to pay for every drop of water that comes out of your plumbing fixtures, whether you intend it to or not. Depending on the severity of the leak, it could cost you significantly. It may not add much to each individual water bill, but it can add up over time. Not only that, but freshwater is a precious resource, and the water that goes down the drain is wasted. Puddles of water that form from leaks can also attract pests to your home. It doesn’t cost much to hire residential plumbing services to install a new showerhead, and it can save you significantly in the long run.

Fungal Growth

A leak in the shower can also lead to the growth of fungi such as mould. Fungal spores can grow just about anywhere there is moisture, and bathrooms are natural environments for it in any case because of the strong amounts of steam produced by the shower. Add a leak to the mix, and your shower becomes an even better habitat for fungal growth. You may start to notice it on the pipes, valves, or showerhead growing in spongy spots of black or green. You may be able to clean mould that is growing on the outside of your pipes and fixtures. However, if it is growing on the inside, this is more difficult to clean. It is probably easier to replace the entire fixture.

Mould in your shower isn’t something you can just ignore. Breathing in mould spores can cause respiratory problems. Showering in mouldy water can cause skin rashes. People who have allergies to mould may have severe reactions to it.

Why Should You Call CJ Brubacher for Plumbing Services in Kitchener?

We provide both residential and commercial plumbing services in Kitchener, so if you have shower facilities at either your home or your place of business, we can service them as necessary. This includes repairing existing fixtures and installing new ones. It also includes maintaining existing fixtures to keep them in good working order and avoid repairs. We provide 24-hour emergency services, so contact us anytime.