Plumbing Blog
Things That Can Be Harmful To Your Old Plumbing System
Posted in Clogged Drains, Damaged Pipes, Plumbing Repairs
With the passing years, the technology of plumbing has got improved to a great extent. Nowadays, you have the technology of water-saving, systems for water filtration, and the latest materials for lining pipes and fabrication. However, people having old plumbing systems might face multiple issues which must never get ignored. Your old pipes may be working quite efficiently for several years but can get damaged or wear out with aging and rust issues. Professional plumbing services in Surrey are a must hire at regular intervals to keep a check on the condition of the plumbing system.
Here are some common issues that homeowners must be looking after in case you are using the old plumbing system to date.
Tree Roots:
Many old properties have trees growing near the houses. In case you have multiple greens attached to your property, be mindful of their growth, and see how close the trees are growing near the pipes of your home. The tree roots can even grow around or inside the pipes. This can be quite dangerous for the plumbing system resulting in pipe breakages, clogs, and backups. To ensure that everything is in the right order, you must get plumbing inspection done by experts. Reputed companies offering services of plumbing in Surrey carry out video inspections to ensure whether there are any tree root build-ups inside the pipes.
Rust:
Most of the old properties have cast-iron pipes of traditional styles. You must be knowing that iron is excessively prone to rust, especially when it comes in contact with continuous moisture. These rusty pipes result in various health and safety issues. The metal becomes quite brittle owing to rusting. Thus, there is a risk of the pipe getting damaged or burst. Leakages are also common in such situations. This extensive moisture can also harm your property. So, take quick steps to resolve the issues and consult with professionals for the best advice.
Mineral Buildups:
If you are using the plumbing system of your house for quite some time, you can notice that the pressure of water decreases eventually after repetitive uses. This can be due to several issues that might take place in the plumbing system. However, the main cause for this is the pipes have mineral deposits. The calcium buildups usually occur in those areas where the water is hard. You can use a softening filter of water to solve this issue. However, if the condition turns even worse, call upon plumbing emergency services to take care of the problem.
911 Plumbing Heating Drainage LTD. is one of the leading companies offering quality plumbing services in Surrey. The company has trained technicians who can attend to any issue related to plumbing starting from clogged drains, repiping, leak detection, hydro cleaning, and much more. Customers can even request service calls by feeding in simple details at the official website of the company.
Why Should You Never Ignore Slab Leaks?
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
In case you face slab leaks at your home, you might be getting into some serious plumbing issues. Slab leaks are quite hazardous and when ignored, can result in worsening the situation even more. Now whether your home is having a slab leak or not, can never get diagnosed by any normal person.
You require professional plumbers to detect the hidden issue. However, if you find damp spots or can hear the sound of water running under the floor, then these are signs that you may be having slab leaks and it is time for plumbing repair.
When Do You Face Slab Leaks?
The reasons for slab leak can be multiple in numbers. It can be due to outdoor factors like rainfall or due to internal reasons for the house like leaks and damages. During rainfall, there is an expansion in the ground that lies beneath your house, and after that it also shrinks when the water dries out.
The concrete that gets used in building the ground is not the breathable material. Thus, the contraction and expansion that takes place might result in cracks and breakages. These outdoor factors often result in slab leaks. Apart from this, there are also many internal factors like cooking, cloth dyers, bathrooms, etc. that causes slab leaks.
Why Should Homeowners Take Care Of Slab Leaks?
When you leave the slab leak at your home untreated, there might be some minor issues that crop up initially. However, with time, these issues begin to expand and can even get worse. You can end up spending a lot of money in case the slab leak does not get attended by experts on time. Your family members might also be under risk when such issues crop up in the house. Listed below are some of the worsening consequences of an ignored slab leak:
- Unusual increase in the water bills monthly.
- The electricity bills also go up at a drastic rate as the use of the HVAC system increases quite a lot due to the humid weather inside the house.
- As the water and moisture effect inside the house keeps on increasing, there can be the growth of mildew and molds. This results in odor issues and can also bring about serious health problems in both kids and adults.
- Most importantly, as the quality of the soil deteriorates, there is intense pressure created on the foundation of the house which can get compromised to a great extent. This can surely result in massive respiring costs.
So, you see there is no alternative to getting professional help related to plumbing in Surrey when there is a slab leak in your house. Call upon the best plumbers at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage LTD. to attend to your emergency plumbing issues immediately. We have licensed and experienced professionals working for us who ensure 100% satisfaction to the customers. The experts aim at offering personalized plumbing services with honest assessments of the issues.
Preventing Mold And Mildew In Your Washroom – What The Plumber Says?
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
Keeping your bathroom clean and mold free is highly essential for your personal hygiene and also avoid frequent calls for a plumbing emergency. The building up of molds and mildews can cause serious ill effects to your health. Here are some tips that can help you be free from them.
Keep Your Washroom As Dry As Possible
When moisture accumulates, the bacteria and fungi grow on it. This develops molds and allows them to grow easily. Use floor wipers and shower squeegees to ensure that water is not getting accumulated anywhere in the washroom.
The tip of the showers should be clean. Then the water that would come out from it would be hygienic enough to wash your body. Even the bathroom floor should be clean and dry so that molds don’t start growing there.
Clean The Washroom Frequently
Another way to ensure that molds and mildews do not grow is by keeping the washroom clean at all times. Clean it with appropriate bathroom cleaners every week. This kills many germs and prevents bacteria from growing and causing trouble.
Check For Any Leakage
Make sure that water doesn’t leak from anywhere in your washroom. That could cause the growth of bacteria. If you see any leakage, immediately tend to the issue. Call the plumber and get it fixed as soon as possible. The leakage of pipes can cause some serious harm to your bathroom and you.
Installation Of Proper Fans Or Construction Of Windows
Proper ventilation should be present in the bathroom at all times. If not, the hot and humid air in the washroom could be the catalyst for the growth of molds and mildews in the washroom. Hence it is mandatory that fresh air is always circulated. So, install a proper exhaust for the removal of the humid air. Even windows serve the purpose. Ensure the proper ventilation system is maintained anyhow.
Linens And Liners In Your Washroom Should Be Fresh And Clean
The linens and liners in your washroom accumulate the dirt and moisture when used for a long time. Clean them frequently and use dry ones to prevent the moisture from accumulating in the bathroom and the bacteria from growing. Eliminate any source of moisture as they can cause the germs to thrive on your bathroom.
These are the ways you can ensure that your bathrooms remain mold and mildew free. Surrey plumbers are efficient and ensure that your washroom is cleaned thoroughly after their repairing works are done. The cost of plumbing in Surrey is also reasonable.
To get a genuine plumber in Surrey, visit www.911plumbingheating.com. They would provide expert solutions to any of your plumbing problems. 911 Plumbing provides their expertise at affordable ranges. For any emergencies related to plumbing services in Surrey, you can ask for their aid and your issue would be resolved. They are just a call away.
Best Advice From The Plumber For Your New Home
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
Your own home always has some special sentimental value. You would want it to be peaceful and comfortable. A place where you would forget all your worries and disappointments – a place where you could always refresh yourself at the end of the day.
For that, you need to make sure some services are working efficiently in your house. Like the electricity lines, the water line supply, and the plumbing services. If any of these go wrong, you would be up for a lot of headache for your own house.
Let us look into details about the plumbing emergency situations and systems you should consider while choosing your own house.
Keep Note For The Source For The Main Water Supply:
If any problem arises like water leakage and overflowing, you should be aware of the valve that can shut the main water supply off. It should also be at a location that is easily accessible. That could save you from the incontinence of your house being filled with water everywhere, and all the furniture, electronics etc. being damaged. Inspect the house, find the main water supply, and if anything goes wrong, shut it and call for a plumber to tend to the issue.
Try To Keep Your Drains Clog-Free:
It is one of the crucial points to follow when you want your drainage system to work perfectly. Do not, at any cost clog the drains. Any food items should be disposed into the bin before washing the plates. Or throw the toilet papers into the bin instead of flushing them down. Take the necessary steps to ensure that your drainage system is not clogged at any time.
Try Installing Water Softening Plumbing Techniques:
In places where hard water is predominant this method is crucial to maintaining the efficient and smooth plumbing of the house.
Install Water Heaters In The Centralized Location Of The House:
It is advisable to install the water heater systems in a central location. This ensures even heating throughout the house. However, do make sure that the water does not turn out to be overheated. That might damage the pipes and cause the leakage of water causing inconvenience to a large extent.
Choose The Appropriate Sump Pump Discharge Location From Plumbing Services In Kelowna:
The water that could have flooded your house needs to be discharged properly. For your own benefit, it would be better if the discharge area is far away from your house so that it cannot cause any damage to your stay.
These are some tips from the expert plumbers for your new house. Once you plan on getting settled at some place, make sure you get your house inspected. You can visit the site www.911plumbingheating.com for additional information or for their services. They provide expert guidance at affordable prices.
Signs that Your Water Filter Needs a Change
Posted in Plumbing Repairs, Water Filtration Systems
Water filters are an indispensable part of our homes today. They help to remove impurities like chlorine, cadmium, and mercury from water giving it a perfect taste and odor. This makes the water suitable for everyday consumption with minimum risk of infections or diseases.
Types of Water Filtration Systems
There are two types of filtration systems which are common to most households-Carbon Filtering systems and osmosis filtering systems. Both are easy to use and effective in equal measures. The choice of the system depends on the type that suits your house the best. 911 plumbing services assist you for the installation and services with both the systems. Though the service needs are dependent on the usage of the filters, Surrey plumbers are of the opinion that the carbon filters need more frequent services than the osmosis filters.
When to Change the Filters
The installation manual gives you an ideal time period within which you should change your filters but this again is subject to the volume of usage. The general time period is anytime between 3-6 months. Water use varies with each household and therefore there cannot be a set standard or guideline for filter change. The life of the filter depends on the following aspects:
- The quality of the water with respect to the contaminants which need filtering.
- The hardness of water which may cause more scaling and clogging of the filters.
- The volume of water usage.
Having said this there are other signs which indicate that the filters need a change.
Significant signs for a Filter Change
Reduction in Flow of Water
Whenever you notice that the flow of water from the filter is lesser than usual, it is an indication of a filter change. This happens when there is a substantial deposit of contaminants within the filter which causes clogging in the filter. The increased accumulation makes it difficult for the water to pass through in adequate quantity. This results in a drop in the flow rate of water, signifying that the filter needs a change.
Change in the Taste of Water
With continuous usage sometimes the filter stops absorbing the contaminants which result in a change in the taste of the water. You can check for other probable reasons also for this change in the taste but more often than not, it is due to the decreased functioning of the filter cartridges.
The Odor of the water
Similar to the change in taste of water you may also witness a peculiar odor in the water if the filters are in a lesser working condition. This again is a result of excessive accumulation of deposits on the filter. Consider the help of professional plumbers with immediate effect whenever you smell an odor in the water.
911 Plumbing Hearting Drainage, LTD. is the best solution provider for all your filter systems with round the clock services from expert technicians. We offer fast and guaranteed service for all installation and service needs by trained professionals. Feel free to contact us at any time for quick and excellent service at your doorstep.
Multiple Advantages of Hydro Jetting
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
Hydro jetting is the process of cleaning clogged drains of all kinds of blockages, debris, and deposits by spraying water through them under high pressure. The size of the hydro jets depends on the size of the drain and varying pressure of water is set accordingly. Hiring the service of professional plumbers in Surrey can help you determine the technicalities and proceed with effective and reliable measures.
Advantages of Hydro Jetting
Complete cleaning and unclogging
The benefits of hydro jetting are manifolds. The high-pressure water penetrates deep into the deposits on the walls of the drains and pipes to clear all kinds of obstructions. It has the power to flush out rocks, silt, grease, food particles and hair clogs too. It not only clears all the sludge but also unclogs the drainage system of any hindrances providing a complete solution.
Consistent, Accurate and Efficient
These aspects make it a much favorable choice over the other methods of cleaning. This method is effective in clearing all kinds of blockages with negligent damage to the drainage system. The spinning movement of the water springing from different angles is strong enough to pierce through the most stubborn of deposits.
Fighting Bacteria
The additional advantage of using hydro jets is that the powerful water streams wash away any bacteria growth occurring along with the scum. It has the potential to do away with the slightest of grim leaving the system clean and sparkling. Doing away with all the dirt and deposits thereby also rids the drains of all the foul odor giving the feel of freshness to the pipes.
Economical
Hydro jetting reduces the frequency of cleaning the pipes to a large extent. A normal cleaning process may have to be repeated after a period of 6-8 months but once you do hydro jetting you can keep your worries at bay for a couple of years. Though it may seem to be very expensive as a procedure, the long-term benefits that it provides with a reduced number of services make it an economical choice.
A Safe Process
Hydro jetting uses only water and is, therefore, environment-friendly. It is a non-invasive process and also is free from the use of any kind of chemicals. This prevents any kind of damage to the pipes which can be caused due to harsh chemicals or invasive instruments. Another important aspect is that it does not require any kind of digging or replacement of pipes as the process simply involves passing water through the pipe system.
Disadvantages of Hydro Jetting
The advantages of hydro jetting far outnumber the disadvantages. Hydro-jets use large amounts of water to carry out the process effectively but with expert plumber services, you can take adequate water conservation steps too. Another drawback is that the force of water can cause a few old or fragile pipes which are already weak to give away. But this again is avoidable if you hire professional plumbing in Surrey.
911 Plumbing Heating Drainage, LTD. Is the leading service and repairs company in Surrey with outstanding quality services for all kinds of plumbing needs. We provide fast, efficient and reliable services in and around Surrey with customer satisfaction being our top most priority. Get in touch with us for any kind of plumbing repair needs with the assurance of the latest techniques and trends.
Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Pipe Unclogged
Posted in Damaged Pipes, Plumbing Repairs
The kitchen is used to its maximum extent during the season of festivities. Homeowners take special measures to check there are no pipe leakages or ‘backed-up’ sinks during the festival period. To do away with clogged drains and plumbing problems you could hire the services of the professional plumbers in Surrey and ensure the kitchen is functioning effectively.
Suggestions on Keeping Your Kitchen Pipes Clear
Running the Tap Water during Garbage Disposal: You must run the water during discarding the garbage by means of the ‘disposal system’. This enables in the process of easy garbage disposal by the disintegration of the food. You must never shove the food down the kitchen drain without water as that leads to the blocking of the water pipes. To clear clogged kitchen pipes you must hire the Surrey plumbers.
Not Shoving Fat and Grease Down Your Kitchen Pipe: It is essential to ensure that there is no grease and fat inside the pipes. Grease within the pipes solidify and cause its blockage. Hence to avoid clogging your kitchen pipe stop shoving the oily food down its drain. To keep your kitchen pipe unclogged hire plumbers in Surrey.
Avoid the Use of the Powerful Cleaners: In order to avoid damage to your kitchen pipes, you must avoid using the powerful cleaners. These cleaners are harsh enough for damaging the kitchen pipes. The best way to repair the leaking pipes is by hiring adept plumbers.
Avoid Discarding the Waste Material through the Kitchen Drains: To prevent the choking of the kitchen drain avoid shoving food materials like fruit seeds, starchy foods or vegetable waste down the ‘garbage disposal’ cans. The waste materials form a mesh-like structure which attracts dirt and grime to form a ‘huge clog’. You can use the disposal cans for doing away with the waste matter.
Use a Drain Mesh: It is necessary to use a drain mesh to avoid the waste material to be pushed through the ‘kitchen pipes’. Thus you must avoid your kitchen drains from getting blocked by having a drain mesh in place.
For all kinds of plumbing issues, you can hire the services of 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. We provide a multitude of plumbing services that include bathroom and kitchen remodeling, hydro jetting, drain cleaning, repiping, repairing of water heaters and showers and the installation of tubs, faucet fixing etc. The other services we offer are the repairing of the cracked pipes, sewers tankless heaters, water ‘filtration systems’, garbage disposals etc. Our proficient plumbers are trained effectively for the job and you can hire them around the clock. Hire our plumbing services by calling up (604) 679-8000. Reach us when you need our help and we would do our level best.
Top Benefits of Water Line Re-Piping in Kelowna
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
Re-piping is the process of replacing old and damaged pipes with properly functioning new ones. It is basically the installation of a new copper “repair system” in reference to water pipes. The process includes the removal of the old accessible pipes and the installation of the new system. For the task to be carried out effectively, you must hire professional plumbers in Kelowna.
With an experienced and licensed team, you’ll be able to ensure the plumbing task is performed effectively. When you hire the certified team at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd., we’ll walk you through the detailed process. We’ll also explore with you essential factors, such as piping material, weather conditions, cost of the plumbing procedure, and much more.
In this blog, we will explain to you a brief overview of water line re-piping in Kelowna, as well as the benefits it will bring to your home.
An Overview of Water Line Re-Piping in Kelowna
As a proud homeowner, you probably know your home the best, from how old your hot water heater is to when you’re due for a furnace tune-up. But how well do you really know your plumbing system? If you’re not the first homeowner, do you know when the last plumbing inspection took place or what serious repairs had been done in the past? Suppose the documentation at hand is too vague, and you’ve already noticed minor plumbing issues that resulted in a faucet replacement or leaky pipe repair.
Plumbing repair needs are very common in older homes that have old plumbing systems. If you find yourself in that situation, we highly recommend having your pipework assessed by professional Kelowna plumbers.
Should you need a water line re-piping job in Kelowna, the comprehensive process will look like this:
- Plumbing inspection: A licensed plumber will run a detailed diagnostic, during which they will investigate specific areas that might have faulty plumbing. Besides looking at all the visible pipes, they will also use video camera inspection to check on any pipes buried behind walls and underground. During the inspection, our professional plumber will be able to detect potential problems, such as corrosion, pinhole leaks, aging, and more. If these symptoms are evident, but you haven’t experienced a plumbing disaster yet, you’re lucky, as a water line re-piping job will come in just in time.
- Preparing and scheduling: Unfortunately, water line re-piping in Kelowna is not a plumbing job that takes only a few hours. You must prepare in advance and create a schedule with your repipe specialist. It’s important to ensure that your team of technicians has a safe working environment where they can easily dig through walls, floors, and ceilings. During the consultation, we’ll talk about your type of material preference. Please bear in mind that the type you choose will determine how long the water line re-piping project will take.
- Removal of old plumbing: This is probably the most difficult and time-consuming part, as your Kelowna plumber must securely disconnect your existing water line from the city’s supply line before getting the new pipes ready for installation.
- Water line re-piping process: During the new pipe installation process, you can expect your plumbing team to replace all your existing water supply lines. By that, we mean anything that connects to your bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and outdoor faucet. To ensure the job is done correctly and properly, we’ll also re-pipe the lines connecting to your water heater and your household appliances (i.e., washing machine and dishwasher).
Factors to Consider for the Re-piping Procedure
Before you decide to go ahead with water line re-piping in Kelowna, there are some factors to bear in mind.
Cost:
Water line re-piping is a costly procedure and must be done correctly by licensed professionals. If the procedure is timely done without delay, it can help in saving on expensive repairs in the future. And we can guarantee you that emergency repairs will cost you a lot more than a water line re-piping service, as you could be dealing with water damage, structural damage, and a lot of stress with your home insurance company.
As long as the re-piping procedure is performed by a proficient plumber in Kelowna using the right material, you’re in safe hands.
Humidity:
If there are signs of excessive “pipe sweating,” a water line re-piping service is recommended. Pipe sweating can take place during winter and summer months when indoor humidity levels rise. Copper pipes are commonly used for the construction of water mains, and often, you’ll also find the plastic material PEX tubing. As soon as cold water enters the water pipes, the cold energy reaches the pipe walls. The humid air will condense into the water as soon as it comes in contact with the pipe walls. This results in water puddle formation that typically occurs in the basement. While insulating these pipes and installing anti-sweat valves could fix the problem, you might want to consider upgrading to higher-quality water lines. Our Kelowna plumbers at 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. are happy to assist you during a consultation.
Geographical Location:
The water line re-piping procedure is based on a region. For example, the re-piping process must be done properly to ensure no frozen pipes will develop. There is a high risk of frozen pipes bursting, and therefore, precautions must be taken to make sure they don’t freeze. You must also be careful that no cast iron is used in drought-prone regions for water line re-piping. Kelowna is classified as a humid continental climate, so freezing is not uncommon when you have plumbing located in non-heated spaces. One should also note that Kelowna has well-drained soil that’s ideal for agriculture. However, it’s not uncommon to experience ground shifting as a result of high temperatures and dry heat, which can be problematic for plumbing systems. So, if you were to opt for cast iron, they could eventually become brittle and crack.
Benefits of Water Line Re-Piping in Kelowna
Having covered the essentials of water line re-piping in Kelowna, let’s dive into the benefits of having brand-new pipes installed!
Clean Water
Has your tap water been tasting funny lately? Many homeowners use filter pitchers to remove impurities from their water, as they don’t like the metallic taste. However, if your current water line pipes are old and show signs of corrosion, you will likely have noticed discoloration in your water supply. You do not want to drink that. Chances are that your store-bought filter pitcher doesn’t have a strong enough sediment filter to mitigate this issue.
What if we say that after the water line re-piping in Kelowna, your water supply will be free from rust and odours? Upgrade your plumbing system to new PEX or copper piping and enjoy the benefits of clean drinking water! Improved water quality will reduce the risks of getting sick.
Improved Efficiency
Perhaps you are dealing with water pressure issues, such as water hammers. Or your current fixtures aren’t performing as well as they should because they are connected to old plumbing. Often, people who complain about a weak water pressure in the shower are not aware that they have a water leak behind their tile walls. By signing up for a water line re-piping service, you will have all these issues taken care of, including a new water pressure regulator.
Prevention of Future Problems
The major purpose of plumbing maintenance is to be ahead of the curve and detect potential plumbing issues in advance. If you have been hiring plumbing repairs repeatedly to fix frequent leaks, we can assure you that your contractor is not a reliable plumber. An experienced plumber is thorough and detail-oriented. Frequent repairs indicate underlying problems that must be addressed immediately.
In-time water line re-piping in Kelowna can protect you from a potential pipe burst, water main break, and other serious plumbing disasters. The last thing you want is to pay for the mitigation of a basement flood, which could compromise your home’s structural integrity.
Code Compliant
Lastly, by having a licensed plumber in Kelowna inspect your plumbing system, you can rest easy knowing that your pipework is compliant with the BC plumbing code. It’s important to note that the BC Plumbing Code only provides the minimum requirements, so in the case of a detached single-family home, for example, you don’t need to be a licensed plumbing or gas contractor to do plumbing work. But this is quite problematic because if you’re not licensed and experienced and future issues occur, you will not be able to claim any damages. So, by hiring a licensed plumber for your water line re-piping, you’ll get the peace of mind knowing that everything is done correctly and according to code.
Don’t Let Outdated Pipes Drive Up Your Bills—Hire 911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. for Water Line Re-Piping in Kelowna!
For different plumbing issues, you must hire proficient plumbers in Kelowna. One of the reputed plumbing services in Kelowna is provided by 911 Plumbing and Heating Drainage Ltd. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, which include drain cleaning, clogged drain repair, kitchen and bathroom remodelling, faucet repair, hydrojetting, toilet repair, and sewer line repair services. We also offer tankless water heater services and water filtration systems installations, which makes us your one-stop shop for all your plumbing needs!
911 Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. is one of the few plumbing companies in Kelowna that offers 24/7 plumbing emergency services. Our adept plumbers are available whenever you call us at (250) 801-0911.
Contact us for emergency plumbing services, and our team of Kelowna plumbers will fix your broken pipes in a jiffy. We care that your water quality is top and that your copper pipes are healthy and secure for many years to come.
Whether you are in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, or Peachland, trust us to handle slab leaks, burst pipes, and other residential plumbing issues you might have.
All You Need to Know About the Bathroom ‘Grout Crack’
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
Cracks in your bathroom may develop in the joints where the bathroom wall meets the shower, floor or tub. The crack could appear due to age or could be due to the installation of tile or during the mixing of the grout. First of all, you must find out the root cause of why the grout cracks and how it must be repaired and when should it be replaced.
Why Do the Grout Cracks Develop?
The key cause for the development of the grout cracks in the bathroom in the joints due to the movement between the two surfaces. Houses move constantly in small increments due to temperature, humidity, foundation settling as well as other factors. Cracks could develop in the bathroom when the bathtub moves in one direction and the tile wall in another direction.
In case the grout is not mixed properly and there are too many additives or water, there could be air pockets after the complete drying of the grout. This leads to the grout becoming brittle and weak, which leads to the development of cracks.
Grout could even crack if less amount of adhesive is made use of for installing the tiles. After the drying up of the adhesive if the tile pulls away, then it is the task of the grout to keep the tile in place and in doing so the stress that develops causes the development of the cracks.
What is the Solution In the Case of a Couple of Isolated Cracked Grout Areas?
If there are only a couple of isolated areas of the ‘cracked grout’, you could carry out the repair work all by yourself. In case the grout is crumbling, it would not take a lot of effort, but in case the grout is not coming out easily, you need to make use of the ‘grout removal’ tool or a ‘grout saw’ for completing the task. You could vacuum the grout crack in order to capture the dust which is left behind. If you do not have the required tools, you could hire the help of the professional plumbers in Surrey.
The next step is choosing a replacement that has fewer chances to crack, such as silicone caulk. The key benefit of making use of the caulk is its flexibility. If the cracks develop due to shifting of surfaces a line of the caulk could survive where the grout failed. You must select a shade which matches that of the existing grout. While selecting the caulk, it should be of the mildew-proof caulk type that is designed to be used in the wet environments.
The application of the caulk requires a certain level of expertise and it may not possible for an amateur homeowner to carry out. Thus it is a good idea to hire the help of competent plumbers to ensure the task is carried out effectively.
However, if the grout problem is widespread and brought about by a major problem in the underlying installation, you need to have the condition assessed by an adept plumber.
Don’t worry about any type of plumbing problem when Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. can help you have it fixed. Our experienced plumbers in Surrey can fix all plumbing issues from repairing of the heaters, faucets, and fixtures to the clearing of the clogged toilets in a jiffy. Contact us by calling up (604) 679-8000 and our plumbers would reach your home to fix the problem right away.
How to Avoid Loss of Water Pressure in the Shower?
Posted in Plumbing Repairs
Loss of pressure of water in the shower could be annoying especially when you need to rinse the soap and shampoo from the body and hair. You could prevent this common problem by finding the root cause of it.
Limitations of the Pressure Balancing Valve
If a shower is equipped with a ‘pressure balancing’ valve which has a single handle or knob for controlling the flow and temperature of water, there is a risk of interruption of water pressure because of the nearby fixtures. This kind of a valve mixes both the cold and hot water at a specific pressure level. When you flush the toilet, the cold water diverts for refilling the tank that leads to a drop in the pressure in ‘cold water’ line.
The ‘pressure balancing’ valve takes some time to adjust which causes the water to become hot as the valve does not get the ‘cold water’ it requires. Subsequently, the water valve adjusts by lowering the pressure from ‘hot water’ line and this result in a general drop in the pressure. However, you can avoid this problem by using a ‘thermostatic mixing’ valve which provides separate controls for the pressure and water temperature.
If you consider using this valve, you can call one of the reputed plumbers and tell him to replace your valves with the ‘thermostatic mixing’ valves.
Faulty Functioning of the Diverter Valve
If there is a shower and bathtub combo in your toilet, there could be the diverter valve equipped with a switch or knob, which diverts the water from a bathtub faucet to a showerhead. This type of valve could break or malfunction after a couple of years of operation. This could result in the valve unable to open for sending high water pressure up to a showerhead.
You could solve this problem by calling up an experienced plumber who can confirm the diagnosis and upgrade your valve to a diverter valve.
Obstructed or Broken Pipe
Another common cause of a drop in the ‘shower pressure’ is the broken pipe as the resulting leakage can cause massive damage to the area of the house which is not visible. Thus, if you hear the sound of water running when not expected or in case of any water dripping or ‘water stain’, you must shut off the water supply from the main valve and then call a competent plumber right away.
For any kind of plumbing issue, you could hire the help of the Plumbing Heating Drainage Ltd. Our competent plumbers in Surrey are proficient to carry out all types of plumbing issues like clearing the clogged toilets, drains, repairing of the sewer line, faucets, heaters, fixtures as well as bathroom and kitchen remodeling. You could get in touch with us by calling (604) 679-8000 and we look forward to helping you whenever you need it.
