Posted in Plumbing Tips

Something not quite right with your sump pump? When was the last time you checked it? Regular checking and cleaning  is one of your most important defensive tools against flooding in your basement, so it’s ready when you need it most. Most sump pumps should be checked and cleaned at least once a year – usually best just before spring thaw. If you’re not comfortable cleaning it yourself, you can always have an expert do it for you. With proper cleaning and maintenan...

Rust stains are unsightly and can make an otherwise clean sink or tub appear dirty and neglected. Rust stains can be challenging to remove and may become permanent over time. Possible causes include your plumbing system or water supply. Keeping them in check requires regular cleaning with the right types of products. All-purpose bathroom cleaners will not remove rust stains effectively, and chlorine bleach might cause the stains to become permanent. The team from PipeMasters has some &n...

One of the keys to keeping all your plumbing fixtures and appliances operating well year after year is to make sure you’re engaging in important preventative maintenance tasks. Everything that uses water in your home, including all of your sinks, showers, baths, garbage disposal, refrigerator, washing machine, toilets and water heater, can be maintained to prevent any significant plumbing problems from occurring. By staying on top of preventative maintenance, you’ll be able to avo...

Do you ever have moments where you notice foul smells coming from your drains? This could be in your kitchen or bathroom, or it could be near floor drains in your basement or laundry room. And this smell can quickly spread throughout your home. There are some cases in which drains can build up a foul odor. To be able to remove that odor, you’ll need to know what causes the drain odor and the best methods of removal. Here’s what you need to know. What causes smelly drains? ...

If you’ve recently had flooding or other forms of water damage done to your home, your first concern should be your safety. First, stop the source of the flooding, and get all furniture and other affected items out of the way if possible. It may be necessary, depending on the amount and source of the flooding, to work with water damage restoration teams to thoroughly clean and sanitize your surfaces, furniture and materials, and to prevent the spread of bacteria or mold.  But once...

While we have fresh summer memories, before we know it our harsh, cold winter will be encompassing our treasured cottages. We need to winterize the home before closing it up for the season. Even if you will reside in the home all winter, you might still benefit from some winterization tasks.  A failure to winterize your home before the freezes of winter begin could result in your pipes freezing and potentially bursting, which could cause catastrophic water damage. There could also be is...

Sump pumps are your first line of defense against a flood or general dampness in your basement. When heavy rains occur, sump pumps get rid of excess water from around your foundation, pumping it out of the house to an area where it can safely flow away and not cause any flooding or water damage.  It’s important to test your sump pump on a regular basis if you have one. You’ll want to be sure the pump is in reliable, operational condition when you really need it. Checks to pe...

Often small problems can bring the biggest headaches. Nothing exemplifies this more than a simple clog in your plumbing. When your shower won’t drain or the water won’t go down in your sink basin, you could find yourself trying everything and anything to resolve the issue. And often, nothing seems to work.  Most people end up calling a plumber to snake their drain, which produces all sorts of unholy mess. Huge clumps of hair. Wadded-up toiletries. Something your kid flushed ...

Your septic system is one of the most important infrastructural components of your home. It is important that you stay up to date with the necessary preventative maintenance. Here is a quick overview of what you need to do to take care of your system and maximize its lifespan. Inspections As a general rule, you should have your tank and system inspected once a year, whether you do it yourself or have a technician do it for you. This will help you make sure there aren’t any small issu...

The spigot you use on the exterior of your house likely gets a lot of use during the summer for watering plants or running sprinklers. But once the winter weather hits, that faucet could be vulnerable to cold weather, leading to potential pipe freezes. While there are some strategies you can employ to winterize these outdoor spigots, you can also significantly reduce the risk of problems with your pipes during the winter by installing a frost-free faucet on the outside of your home. This ...