Plumbing & Drain Service FAQs

Many people, especially those who are new homeowners, or have just purchased a piece of commercial land or real estate, are not well versed on the plumbing problems that they are likely to encounter. This is understandable. The world of plumbing issues, and the problems that one is likely to face is broad, and often quite a bit more complex than many people realize. We love helping our customers diagnose problems, and providing them with information to put their minds at ease, so that they can go about their daily lives comfortably. Our customer support team and our plumbing experts get a long list of questions on a daily basis that they are happy to answer, and which can actually make the process of not only hiring a plumber, but doing preventative maintenance on your own home or business, that much easier. Below are some of the more common questions that PlumbWize is asked.

• What are some potential causes for my water bill increases?

  One of the biggest potential causes for an increase on your water bill is a leaky toilet. This does not necessarily refer to a toilet that is leaking water out onto the floor (although that is entirely possible), it means that a flow valve inside the top of your toilet is broken and water is constantly filling and draining into the bowl itself. This can end up wasting up to 200 gallons of water a day, which is an enormous amount of water, and an incredibly costly amount of water.

• What is the best way to go about replacing a toilet in my home?

  If you are thinking about replacing a toilet in your home, one of the biggest pieces of advice that we can offer is to go with one made by one of the big manufacturers. Their products are the best made, and the more modern the toilet, the better the mechanisms, and the more water efficient it is going to be. Water efficiency is one of the major criteria anytime you are buying a new toilet because the more water you waste, the more money you pay, and, more importantly, the bigger your environmental footprint.

• What happens when roots enter my drain lines?

  If left unattended, roots can end up wreaking havoc on your drain lines and can cause a considerable amount of damage to your entire yard. The problem with tree roots is that―and this is doubly true for people who live in climates where hot, dry weather is persistent during the summer—they are constantly on the search for water, and the drain lines on your property are the ideal (sometimes the only) place water can be found during a drought. Tree roots that start working their way into and attaching themselves to your drain lines can result in a full plumbing collapse that requires a lot of hassle, stress, and money to fix.

• How do I clean my drains?

  There are a couple of things you can do to keep your drains clean and working properly. Use drain guards to prevent any materials from being flushed down the drain that could cause clogs. Use biodegradable cleaning substances like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to give your drains a clean from the inside. Scrape out any extra hair or trapped food scraps using a bent wire. The best way to clean your drains is to hire a professional plumber in Hamilton, Burlington, or the GTA. They will be able to offer a range of services that will bring your drains back to brand new.

• Does PlumbWize offer true 24/7 emergency plumbing?

  Yes we do! Our professional plumbers are always available on the phone, responding to your call for help any time of the day or night. We work 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any moment, so we ensure we’re always ready to help our clients when they need it most.

• How do I avoid getting frozen pipes?

  In cold climates such as Canada, frozen pipes are a real concern for homeowners. Frozen pipes occur when a pipe is exposed to sub-zero temperatures and the water inside the pipe freezes. As the water freezes, it exerts thousands of pounds of pressure on the walls of the pipe, causing even solid steel or iron pipes to crack. This can lead to interrupted water flow and severe leaks once the water thaws, potentially causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. To avoid frozen pipes, ensure that all of your piping is insulated and not exposed to the outside temperatures. If you have a holiday home, ensure the water is turned off and the pipes emptied before you leave so that no water can freeze in them once the heat is turned off.

• What is Kitec?

  Kitec was a popular form of plastic plumbing piping used in Canada between 1995 to 2007. Originally marketed as a cheaper, more durable plumbing solution, it became apparent that the pipes were actually failing significantly faster than traditional plumbing materials and causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage and renovations. If your home currently has Kitec installed, you should contact PlumbWize immediately to get an assessment and determine whether you will need to replace the pipes.

• What areas does PlumbWize service?

  PlumbWize takes pride in offering high quality plumbing services to Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto, and the GTA and Golden Horseshoe. Our plumbers are on call 24/7 and ready to assist with any plumbing issue you might be facing.

• Can I fix a sewer backup myself?

  Sewer backups are plumbing emergencies that involve wastewater coming back up through your drains and fixtures into your home. Commonly coming out of toilets, bathtubs, and basement drains, sewage water is extremely dangerous, as it is filled with harmful chemicals and infectious bacteria. Attempting to fix a sewage backup yourself is not advised, as without the proper training, protective gear, and equipment, you could end up getting you or your family sick, as well as causing even more damage to your property. Calling a fully licensed and insured plumber is the best way to limit the impact of a sewage backup.

Anytime you have a question related to plumbing, don't hesitate to ask the experts at PlumbWize. Our knowledge is truly vast and the people we have working for us have seen and done it all.