The Importance of Regular Plumbing Maintenance: Preventing Costly Repairs

It is easy to take modern conveniences for granted. Household plumbing works within the home’s structure, so people do not see its intricacies. As long as a faucet turns on or the shower produces hot water, it is easy enough to lose focus on the rest of the system. Unfortunately, without proper upkeep and care, leaks, clogs, and other issues can wreak havoc on the home’s infrastructure. Residential plumbing repair and maintenance help protect against minor issues, possibly preventing significant and costly repairs.

The Necessity of Residential Plumbing Repair and Maintenance

While routine maintenance is necessary to limit the risk of costly repairs, many homeowners do not know how often plumbing needs maintenance or inspection. Typically, an annual inspection is enough to keep everything working well. That said, depending on where the house is, homeowners may need to have more frequent inspections. For example, in areas with frigid winters and hot summers, it is best to inspect the system twice annually — once in the fall before the winter and once in the spring before the thaw.

Regardless of the frequency of inspections, homeowners must acknowledge the importance of infrastructure upkeep. Discover the four reasons regular residential plumbing repair and maintenance are worthwhile for homeowners.

1. Reduces the Need for Emergency Repairs

Plumbing repair services in Waterloo inspect the entire plumbing system during annual inspections. They may scope the lines looking for clogs, cracks, or breaks. They may use thermal imaging to spot hidden leaks or similar issues.

With regular annual inspections, homeowners receive a diagnosis of their system’s health. They can address any issues during the assessment, allowing them to prevent more significant problems in the future.

Plumbing professionals know how to spot issues with worn fittings or lines. They can tell when the water pressure isn’t quite right. Finally, they can make necessary repairs on the fly to reduce critical failures later.

2. Increases Lifespan of Plumbing System

Residential plumbing repair and maintenance help ensure the health of the system. With regular upkeep, including cleaning, professionals ensure supply lines and drainage systems work as intended. Also, annual or bi-annual inspections often include cleanings. By cleaning the system regularly, plumbers reduce the risks of premature aging. They wash away harmful debris and clogs and ensure secure and watertight fittings and connections.

In many instances, regular upkeep may prolong the plumbing system’s life. Sure, some parts will need replacing or repair, but the entire system will survive.

3. Saves Water

When plumbing maintenance services typically receive calls to houses, it is to respond to emergencies or what homeowners think is a minor issue, like low water pressure. If homeowners keep up to date with maintenance and inspection schedules, the issues are often minor. Unfortunately, many residences are behind in routine maintenance, so plumbers often find leaks and cracks in the system.

Regular maintenance and residential plumbing repairs can save homeowners money on water waste and usage. An average household’s leaks can account for thousands of wasted gallons of water annually.

4. Good for Your Health

Plumbing leaks are among the most dangerous issues for your home because they introduce moisture to areas not designed for them. Water in wall cavities can result in mould growth, which can affect your family’s health.

Also, if clogs or other issues are found in the system, they can lead to backups. Sewage and waste pose a significant risk to individual health. Regular maintenance can prevent such problems.

Residential Plumbing Repair and Maintenance Services

To prevent overflows, leaks, and costly plumbing repair bills, regular plumbing maintenance is necessary. Plumbing maintenance is not something that should be overlooked. It often goes unnoticed until an emergency or damage arises and then the consequences of neglecting your plumbing are costly.

CJ Brubacher has professional specialists ready to help you with all your residential plumbing repair and maintenance needs. Our team is dedicated to delivering quality services while keeping our customer’s satisfaction as a priority. Contact us for a reliable inspection, proper installation, repair or maintenance service for any of your plumbing needs!

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.

4 Reasons You Should Have Regular Commercial Plumbing Maintenance

A small plumbing problem can quickly turn into an emergency if you do not remedy the situation as quickly as possible. Whether your toilet is not flushing, or you have a faucet leak, many business owners wait until it is too late and then scramble to book a costly emergency appointment. Fortunately, following a plumbing services maintenance program can save you a lot of money in costly repairs. Here are four reasons it is important to regularly maintain your commercial plumbing system.

Reason #1- Detect Clogged Drains and Leaks

While leaky faucets and clogged drains may not seem like a big deal to many business owners, these issues can quickly turn into major plumbing emergencies if not addressed. These problems can sometimes cause flooding, back-ups, or pipe bursts, which are expensive, time-consuming problems to resolve.

Performing routine plumbing services in Waterloo, such as inspections, will help you identify issues before they become serious. During a routine inspection, your plumber will check for leaks, clogged drains, and standing water. When plumbing issues are caught early, they can usually be fixed quickly and inexpensively.

Reason #2- Plan for Plumbing Emergencies

The majority of plumbing emergencies can be prevented with routine maintenance. However, many Waterloo homeowners and business owners do not bother to schedule regular inspections. Other problems take priority, and a plumber is not called until there is a flooded basement or a backed-up toilet.

Luckily, many issues can be detected early on if proper maintenance is performed. Plumbers have the experience to identify problems that most homeowners cannot find on their own. Do not try to save money by performing plumbing maintenance yourself. Professional plumbers have the expertise needed to help prevent running toilets, sump pump failures, and clogged drains.

Reason #3- Protect Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures

Rusty pipes and old plumbing fixtures can quickly lead to many problems. While most business owners think they will spot a corroded pipe before it becomes an issue, the most critical pipes are not visible to you on an everyday basis. To do a proper inspection, a plumber will likely need to access the pipes inside the walls.

With regular maintenance, you can protect pipes and repair old fixtures before they cause a problem. Schedule a yearly inspection with a Waterloo plumber and request a routine maintenance check. Forming a relationship with a licensed plumber is a good idea if you plan to stay in the Waterloo area for a while.

Reason #4- Long-Term Protection Plans

Many Waterloo residents avoid purchasing long-term plumbing protection plans because of cost. However, it is a common misconception that protection plans cost a lot of money. Many companies offer discounted, budget-friendly protection plans for Waterloo residents. These plans typically come with a free yearly inspection and discounted preventative maintenance.

Enrolling in a plumbing protection plan is typically more cost-effective than paying for a massive repair or plumbing system overhaul. Performing small, consistent tasks is the key to keeping your plumbing system in proper working order.

Ask your plumber about extended warranties. If you recently purchased your home or installed a new septic system, you may be able to add an extended warranty to cover expensive repairs. While many people avoid purchasing warranties due to cost, it makes sense if you do not want to pay for a major plumbing repair in the future.

Work With a Plumbing Expert

Are you looking for affordable commercial plumbing services? CJ Brubacher Ltd. specializes in residential and commercial plumbing services. Do not wait until your sump pump fails or your toilet will not flush. Contact us today to schedule a routine maintenance check.

Waterloo Plumbing Services: 3 Reasons To Not Flush Food Down the Toilet

Flushing food down the toilet drain seems a bit odd to some, but according to plumbing services in Waterloo, it is a common occurrence. More often than not, people explain that they flushed the food because they did not want it stinking up their kitchens. Some foods, like fish and eggs, can become ripe and pungent when left in the trash for a night or two. Despite the odour, you really shouldn’t flush food down the toilet.

Toilets and sewage systems are designed to handle specific types of waste. While a plumbing system might handle the occasional flushing of items it shouldn’t, such as dead pet fish, it is best to limit sewers to approved waste.

Flushing food down the toilet can cause many problems. You can cost yourself hundreds or thousands in damage and recovery if you are not careful. Experts point to three common issues of flushing food waste down the drain.

1. Can Block Sewer Lines

Commercial and residential plumbing services receive many calls from people and businesses that use their waste drains for all sorts of food waste. Two of the most common problem ingredients include fats and oils. Many people do not realize that these ingredients solidify after cooking. As the substances harden, they congeal to the walls of your sewer lines.

Eventually, the fats and oils cause slowdowns and blockages, or fatbergs, in the drainage system. One property flushing oils and fats can cause district-wide problems. Unfortunately, many people flush these ingredients or pour them into the waste lines.

If home and business owners are not careful, grease blockages can result in sewage backups. Backups can interrupt businesses and force families out of their homes.

2. Some Foods Degrade Slowly

Residential and commercial plumbing services warn against flushing or washing any foods down the drain, but some are more trouble than others. Corn on the cob, apple cores, and bones are among the worst foods you can flush. Any food that takes a long time to degrade presents significant risks to your plumbing system.

Flushing slow-degrading foods present an immediate and long-term risk. In many cases, the food will result in an immediate blockage, resulting in overflows and potential backups. If the food makes it through initial drainage, it will likely get stuck somewhere along the way. It is possible for water to flow around some stuck foods, but eventually, the food will create a significant blockage that can damage the pipes or cause backups.

3. Costly Sewage Maintenance

Cleaning fatbergs, bones, and other foods out of your sewer system is costly. Depending on the blockage, a plumbing service may need to open the line to find the clog, which is expensive.

Beyond individual costs, consider city or district expenses. Sometimes, food makes its way through your personal plumbing system but gets lodged in the public system. When districts are forced to spend more on plumbing maintenance, the costs are transferred to everyone through increased taxes.

Instead of flushing food waste, find better ways to discard or use it. For example, don’t toss leftovers; freeze them and save them for later. Also, instead of flushing used cooking oils and fats, pour them into a container, seal them and throw the container in the trash; you can also use a plastic bag. If you have the desire to garden, most food waste makes for excellent compost.

If you mistakenly flushed something you shouldn’t have, don’t be embarrassed; accidents happen. Call CJ Brubacher Ltd. to schedule a plumbing assessment. The company will send a licensed technician to inspect the problem and resolve it. For larger projects, the company may provide an estimate and proposed timeline for the job, ensuring the homeowner understands when and how the issue will be resolved.

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.

Benefits of Replacing the Bathtub in Your Elmira Home

High-quality Bathtubs when installed properly and regularly maintained still have a limited lifespan just like other household items. The bathtub seems to be one item homeowners overlook due to the challenging process of removing and replacing it.

Of course, damage can occur before the end of a tub’s lifespan. If you notice cracks or leaks, it’s time to upgrade. It may also be that your tub hasn’t changed, but your needs have. There’s also nothing wrong with just wanting something different. If you are in need of replacing your bathtub CJ Brubacher offers expert plumbing services in Elmira to ensure the job is done right the first time around.

There are three options to consider when it comes to bathtub renovations: replacing, refinishing or reglazing. While many people choose to refinish or reglaze to save money, replacing may offer more benefits in the long run. If you’re on the fence, here are the top reasons homeowners choose to replace their bathtubs.

Aesthetics

Your bathtub is the centrepiece of your bathroom, meaning it has a significant effect on the decor. You can create an elegant, whimsical or modern aesthetic just by your choice of the tub.

If you want the freedom to place your bathtub anywhere, you should choose a freestanding model. Since these aren’t built into the wall, you can install them at the room’s center or even at an angle. Clawfoot bathtubs are a popular choice for their unique look and diverse designs.

Your choice of material can also make an impact on the overall aesthetic. While porcelain is traditional, you have a wide range of options:

Steel
Brass
Stone

Steel is an excellent complement to modern or contemporary styles, while brass offers more warmth. Stone bathtubs are luxurious and may add value to your property. Just keep in mind that they’re extremely heavy, so you should only use them on the ground floor to prevent damage to ceilings.

Comfort

While appearances are important when choosing a bathtub, aesthetics shouldn’t trump comfort. After all, you use your tub daily. The good news is that modern innovations offer greater comfort than ever. Many people love relaxing in a bubble bath, but did you know you can get more out of your tub? If you really want to indulge, you can get a whirlpool bathtub.

These models feature jets that circulate water or air. These offer massages that soothe sore muscles and help you relax. The downside is that whirlpool bathtubs are often in the higher price range and may be expensive to fix.

If you still want a profoundly relaxing bathing experience without the hefty cost, you can get a soaking tub. These are deeper than traditional models, allowing you to submerge your entire body comfortably.

Convenience

Whether you have mobility issues or just prefer not to clamber over a bathtub lip, walk-in tubs offer immense convenience. Unlike traditional models, these have a door, allowing you to simply step inside. Since the door has a watertight seal, you don’t have to worry about leaks.

If you’re looking for highly hygienic material that’s easy to clean, go for acrylic. It’s more mildew-resistant than other options and can withstand harsher chemicals. In contrast, stone tubs need non- or low-abrasive cleaning materials to avoid scratching the seal.

Enamel is also fairly easy to keep clean. You can even find metal tubs with enamel coating, allowing you to get the best of both worlds.

Whenever you replace a bathtub, you should contract residential plumbing services to ensure the job’s done right. At CJ Brubacher Ltd., we’re happy to replace a tub or complete any plumbing-related renovations or repairs. Our team is highly experienced and dedicated to delivering top-quality service. We’re the place to call if you want the peace of mind that comes with expert care. To get an estimate for your next project, call us or reach out online

Waterloo Plumbing Services: 3 Reasons the Kitchen Sink Is Clogged

Kitchen sink clogs always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when you’ve got a counter full of dirty plates or your dishwasher is on the fritz. That’s why it pays to have one of the most trusted plumbing services in Waterloo, CJ Brubacher Ltd., in your contact list.

Even with a great plumber at the ready, it’s smart to stay one step ahead of these inconvenient blockages. Read on to learn about three of the most common types of clogs and how to prevent them.

Soap Scum Buildup

It’s counterintuitive to think that cleaning products cause pipe problems, but most commercial cleansers are made with fats and that’s the issue. When soapy fats mix with minerals commonly found in municipal water, they bind together and create a filmy substance that clings to pipes instead of rinsing away.

If your water is hard, it contains more of these buildup-causing minerals. Installing a water softener often alleviates the problem, but if you routinely use fatty dish soaps the issue may persist. Routinely pouring boiling water or water mixed with baking soda or ammonia down your drains helps remove scum before it develops into a full-blown clog.

Food Scrap Blockages

When you have a garbage disposal, you’re accustomed to scraping food residue from plates and pans into your sink. Unfortunately, if you don’t flush your drains properly, that food may never make it into the disposal and instead become stuck inside the curved P-trap piping beneath your sink. Although water might not back up into your basin immediately, if unpleasant odours are coming from your drain, you’ve got a blockage in the making.

To avoid such clogs, dispose of solid foods in your trash or put them on the compost pile. Avoid flushing fibrous produce like celery or pumpkin, which are notorious for wrapping around garbage disposal blades. Fine waste like coffee grounds and onion skins are also bad for your disposal, as it’s easy for the blades to miss them. Remember that anything that doesn’t pass through your disposal builds up and traps other foods, resulting in clogs. That’s why proper food disposal is key to reducing blockages.

Grease, Oil, and Fat Obstructions

As with soap scum, anything greasy or fatty going down your drains is problematic. Liquid fats congregate in the nooks and crannies of pipes, where they bind with the above-mentioned minerals or congeal and harden on their own. Masses of fat glom onto any number of other items that pass through your drains, and before you know it you’ve got a clog on your hands.

Never put cooking oils down the drain. Instead, pour cooled grease into empty cans or containers, set them into the fridge to solidify, and then toss them in the trash. Another option is to mix oils with flour, sand, or cat litter before throwing them away. Even mopping grease with paper towels is better than letting it go down your drain and clog your pipes.

CJ Brubacher Is Here To Help

Knowing what causes clogs and how to prevent them will help you keep your pipes in great shape, but the best care in the world won’t stave off every blockage. When your sink is backed up, it’s time to bring in an expert in residential plumbing services like CJ Brubacher Ltd.

Call the experts at CJ Brubacher when your drains are plugged, or anytime you need the very best in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning care in the Waterloo area. With an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and around-the-clock service, we’re the right choice when it comes to unclogging your pipes!

Tag: plumbing services