Looking have some plumbing work done in your home? Large or small, it’s important you hire a skilled plumber who can be trusted to complete the job efficiently and satisfactorily. Going with an inexperienced handyman you found off Kijiji, could result in low-quality work that might cost you even more in the long run. Here are just a few factors to take into consideration to ensure you select a high-quality plumber. Licensing: You should work exclusively with licensed plumbers. Y...

If you live in a rural community, chances are you use a well water system to supply fresh water to your home. To get the water out of the ground and into your home, the main component of that system is the well pump. It needs to work reliably each and every day—and for the most part, it’s designed to. However, there are situations when a well pump might struggle to get you the water you need, in the capacity you need it.  One of the most common complaints from people who u...

The Benefits of Adding a Convenient Laundry Room No matter if you love to do laundry or it’s your least favorite chore, an organized laundry room is a benefit anyone can appreciate. If you’re sick of trudging up and down the stairs to do load after load of laundry, you might consider the benefits of adding a laundry room to your home.  A laundry room might not be at the top of the list when it comes to home additions or remodeling upgrades—but it should be! Here are j...

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, keeping an eye on your floor drains is one task you can’t neglect. Floor drains are often located in basements, garages or beneath hot water heaters, and they provide quick drainage and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Here’s how to maintain these critical plumbing features. 1. Pour water down them regularly Floor drains actually work to keep sewer gases from seeping into your home. They contain a fill trap mechanism that holds ...

The real estate market is starting to cool off a bit now, and buyers have a bit more leverage than they did over the past couple of years when it comes to buying a house.  The single biggest investment we’re likely to make in our lifetimes. During the red-hot market, it was hard to obtain an inspection amidst the flurry of over asking offers, now it makes sense to protect your investment given the average price is still quite high in most markets. That means performing thorou...

One of the main reasons people take their dogs to the groomers is because bathing a pet can be hard on plumbing. When you bathe your dog in your bath at home, dog hair inevitably makes its way into the drain, causing clogs that prevent the proper flow of water. Luckily, there are ways to bathe your pet at home and minimize the impact on your drains. Here’s how: Brush before you wash Not only does brushing your dog’s hair regularly keep its coat looking clean and shiny, it also k...

A leaky toilet is more than a minor annoyance—it can lead to major structural damage if the problem isn’t quickly addressed. While toilets can function well for decades with only a minimal amount of care, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to see water leaking from under the toilet and spreading all over the floor. Luckily, this type of leak is easy to diagnose and fix. Here’s what you need to do if you’re dealing with a toilet that’s leaking at the base. I...

Building a new home or replacing some of the plumbing in your existing home? It’s important to understand the differences in pipes before you attempt doing any plumbing projects. Two of the most common types of pipe used for plumbing systems are Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). While ABS and PVC share some common uses, they also have some key differences. ABS is always black and PVC is white is the easiest way to tell which piping it is. ABS ABS ...

Having problems with your toilet? Whether it’s not emptying properly, overflowing, leaking or struggling with low water levels, a toilet that won’t flush is often simple to repair. Here are some of the most common reasons why your toilet won’t flush the right way—along with some simple solutions to solve this annoying problem: It’s clogged. In many cases, a clog inside the toilet is the reason why it won’t flush properly. Toilets can only handle cer...

How often do you think about your hot water heater? Probably not too often, but this essential appliance plays an important role in your home’s plumbing system. Not only can a poorly functioning water heater cost you money in terms of your electricity bills, it can also affect your everyday comfort. The simple step of setting your water heater to the right temperature saves you money and prolongs the lifespan of your appliance. Read on to learn what temperature setting is best for your...