The Importance of Regular Plumbing Maintenance: Preventing Costly Repairs

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 Plumber: When to Call a Professional for Repairs

Kitchener Plumber: When to Call a Professional for Repairs

A home’s plumbing system is vital to day-to-day life. When the system is not operating at its best, it can interfere with schedules and make routine life challenging. The key to avoiding a potentially significant plumbing repair in Kitchener is to call CJ Brubacher before major problems evolve.

Whether you have a slow drain, a constantly running toilet, or an unexpectedly high water bill, it’s time to pick up the phone and call. Our plumbers have the expertise and tools to help you maintain and repair your system, ensuring you avoid any headaches. Keep reading for helpful tips. 

How To Know When a Plumber Is Necessary

Not all plumbing issues merit calling in a licensed professional. You can often resolve a clogged toilet or sink with a plunger or short drain snake or auger. Calling a professional is usually reserved for repetitive issues, leaks, breaks, or unknowable problems deeper in the system.

Save money and avoid trouble by calling CJ Brubacher when you feel overwhelmed. Here are four issues that should be left to the professionals.

1. Outrageous Water Bills

You may be dealing with a plumbing problem if your water bill suddenly shoots up to an outrageous amount. A sudden increase in your utility bill typically indicates a leak or supply line break. The leak or break can be anywhere in the water supply, including ceilings, wall cavities, or crawl spaces.

Repairing line breaks is not a DIY project. The repair must meet building standards and municipal codes. Also, a homeowner can create a lot of damage and costs trying to locate the leak. In contrast, professionals can use special tools like thermal cameras to find the issue with minimal teardown.

2. Low Water Pressure

Leaks may also result in more subtle signs than skyrocketing utility costs, such as a drop in water pressure. A small crack in a pipe or supply line can cause noticeable or barely perceptible pressure drops.

If the leak goes unnoticed, it will cause water damage within the house structure. Depending on the severity and duration of the leak, homeowners may experience mold growth.

A plumber is capable of and equipped for commercial plumbing repair. Routine inspections can often catch even minor leaks, protecting your home from water damage and loss.

3. Clogged Drains

While plungers and small, manual residential snakes can help clear up minor clogs, some blockages occur further in the drainage lines of a home and require commercial-grade tools. Not only are commercial-grade tools more expensive, but they are also more complex and challenging to operate.

Attempting to use an electric auger with a 100 ft cable can result in many issues, not the least of which is catching the cable in the plumbing system. Also, an auger may not resolve all the potential problems of clogs, such as a pipe collapse. Professional assessment and skill are necessary for clogged drains, especially if the issue is ongoing.

4. Water Heater Sweating

You should also call a professional plumber if you notice condensation outside your water heater. Typically referred to as sweating, condensation on the exterior of your water heater indicates a leak. Another sign is puddling around the base of the appliance.

Do not ignore a water heater leak, regardless of its size. Leaks can cause significant problems and should be addressed by a professional plumber.

Plumbing Services in Kitchener

No one needs to suffer from a plumbing system that isn’t running optimally. CJ Brubacher is your go-to source for all your plumbing maintenance and repair services in Kitchener. Our team of certified specialists has the expertise and tools required to skillfully resolve any issue you’re facing quickly and accurately, so you can resume the life you were leading without interruption or stress. From fixing slow drains to diagnosing high water bills, our team has you covered. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today for all your plumbing repair needs!

4 Common Plumbing Issues That Occur in Bathrooms

Waterloo Residential Services: 4 Common Plumbing Issues That Occur in Bathrooms

Your plumbing system is vital for keeping your home running smoothly. Unfortunately, plumbing systems malfunction sometimes, and you need to take quick action to resolve the issues. You may be able to handle simple problems yourself if they only require a plunger, but you need professional help for more extensive issues. Here are four common plumbing problems you may encounter in your bathroom.

1. Low Water Pressure

When you turn a faucet on, you expect to see a large gush of water. If the liquid only trickles out of the faucet, you are dealing with low water pressure. Occasionally, this issue is caused by a decrease in the water supply. However, the more likely explanation is that your faucet has a buildup of sediment and debris inside. It’s not an issue you can resolve yourself unless you have the proper tools, so you should call a professional plumber immediately to clean out your faucets and restore water pressure. Maintaining decent water pressure is important for hygiene reasons, so low water pressure is a problem you need to resolve immediately.

2. Clogged Drains

When your bathtub or sink starts to drain slowly, you probably have a clogged drain. Minor clogs can usually be resolved easily with a plunger, but if the clog sits too deep in the drain or is too large for a plunger, you need to call a plumber. Plumbers have special tools called snakes that are designed to fit into drains and eliminate clogs so that your plumbing system goes back to draining efficiently.

3. Dripping Faucets

Your bathroom faucets are not supposed to drip after you turn them off. When dripping occurs, it makes an annoying sound and increases your water bill. Although the problem usually has a simple fix, it is best to leave the project to a professional plumber. Most faucets just need a new washer, but some models do not fit a traditional metal washer and need a ceramic one that makes a tight seal.

4. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are not always obvious problems because pipes are usually hidden under your sink, but when they start to leak, they can drastically raise your water bill. Replacing a leaky pipe is not difficult, but if you don’t know what you are doing, you will end up making a huge mess that takes a while to clean up. Professional plumbers know how to turn the water off and minimize the mess they make while replacing a pipe so that your life can return to normal as quickly as possible. You can use leak tape and clamps as a temporary solution to help with a leaky pipe until plumbers can arrive at your house.

What To Do To Resolve Plumbing Issues

Regular maintenance services go a long way in keeping your plumbing system working efficiently, but when problems arise, it’s important to take immediate action. If you’re handy with tools, you may be able to resolve minor issues yourself. For example, small clogs in your toilet can often be resolved with plungers. However, you often need extensive knowledge of a plumber to resolve major issues with your plumbing system.

When the problems with your plumbing system are beyond your scope of expertise, call CJ Brubacher. Our team of expert plumbers has the knowledge and experience necessary to resolve a wide variety of plumbing issues and get your bathrooms back to working properly. We respond quickly to plumbing emergencies and promise to complete each job officially.

Make an Appointment Today

When you need plumbing services in Waterloo, CJ Brubacher Ltd. has a team of experts ready to help. We offer residential plumbing services to help you keep your bathrooms working properly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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.

4 Reasons You Should Have Regular Commercial Plumbing Maintenance

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

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

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.