Category: Residential

Common Summer Plumbing Issues

For many people, summer means the kids are home from school and more people are at home during the day. For your plumbing system, this means more pressure, and on the rare occasion, foreign objects that aren’t meant to be in your pipes.  

Common clogs 

Having the kids home for the summer is great but it can mean that your plumbing system is going to get a workout. Make sure that your kids understand some simple things like how much toilet paper is too much (the most common source of clogs is too much toilet paper) and what you can and cannot flush down the toilet. Following these simple guidelines could mean the difference between smooth sailing and a plumbing problem. 

Check your connections

Summer means more laundry (Thank you beach trips!), more dishes, and more toilet flushes. Make sure that you’ve checked your plumbings connections so that the extra work doesn’t cause any leaks. Check the washing machine and dishwasher connections to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape. 

Sprinkler System Failure

Underground sprinkler systems have sat unused for the winter so when you get them back up and running again, there could be leaks that affect not only your pipes but your water bills! Portable sprinkler heads need to be cleaned before the first use of the season to remove any build p that can cause the water to back up in the hose. For any kind of sprinkler system, ensure that you have checked the heads for damage to ensure that water isn’t being wasted by spraying in every direction other than where you are hoping to water. 

Water heater

Headed away for a few days this summer? Turn down your water heater while you’re away. Your water doesn’t need to be heated while there isn’t anyone there to use it. This helps extend the life of your water heater, which is on average 8-11 years. Plus, your wallet will thank you as well. 

Summer should be so much fun, don’t let one of these plumbing problems dampen your vacation. Call Wellbrook Plumbing if you’re noticing any moisture in and around your appliance connections, if you end up with a kids toy down the drain, or if your sprinkler system is serving you with less than ideal water pressure so your summer plans don’t get washed away.

Your Plumbing Checklist for Renovation Projects

Renovating your home is an exciting time, however, there is no doubt that it can also be a stressful time. Many people try to take on a number of their renovation projects on their own. When it comes to renovations that include plumbing installations, it is best to leave it to the professionals.

There are some steps you should take when beginning your renovation. Here are some things to do in order to set yourself up for success.

Map Out Your Renovation

When planning a renovation it is important to create an overarching plan that covers more than just aesthetics. Make sure you have a full understanding of all the new plumbing that needs to be added in, old plumbing that needs to be removed, or current plumbing that needs to be moved or updated. This includes any appliances that will or currently use water. Having a plan that includes all this information will be incredibly helpful when moving through subsequent aspects of your renovation. This plan will also speed up the process of getting the necessary permits to begin your renovation.

Do Your Research

In many cases, changing the plumbing system of your home requires a permit, and in order to obtain the proper permit and adhere to building and plumbing codes, you will need to be prepared to present your plans. Consulting a licensed plumber can help ensure you understand the plumbing needs of your renovation. Bring your renovation plan to your consultation to ensure both you and your plumber have a full idea of what will need a permit or what can be undertaken without one.

Understand What Fixtures You Need

Once you’ve created a plan that outlines all of your plumbing needs, you will be able to It is important to have a plan and know exactly what you’ll need before starting. Ordering your fixtures and supplies with plenty of lead time will ensure that your renovation doesn’t get held up waiting for a delivery. In many cases, changing the plumbing system of your home requires a permit, and in order to obtain the proper permit and adhere to building and plumbing codes, you will need to have a detailed plan.

 

As part of this plan, you should create a list of all of the plumbing fixtures and appliances using water that will need to be installed during the renovation. This will not only help you organize your renovation, but it will speed up the process of getting the necessary permits to begin your renovation.

Hire a Licensed Niagara Plumber

Working with a trusted and experienced Niagara plumbing company with renovation experience is the best way to be sure your renovation goes smoothly, and that all work is done with building and plumbing codes. An experienced Niagara plumbing contractor can work closely with you during the renovation process to help secure permits and make recommendations for the most effective plumbing solutions in your plan.

If you are beginning a renovation, call Wellbrook Plumbing. Our team of Niagara based plumbers are experts in plumbing installations and have worked on a number of renovation products. Call (289) 686-4695 today or head to our contact page for more information.

Why your new construction home needs a plumbing inspection

Congratulations! Your dream home is just a few signatures away from becoming a reality. Before you cross your T’s and dot your I’s, make sure you follow the proper home-buying procedure with a valuable home inspection. While you may believe your new construction home can go without a plumbing inspection, it’s important to consider why even brand new homes require this important step.

Custom builds require custom solutions

If you’re about to be the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind house, you will want to make sure that everything is working with your one-of-a-kind plumbing system that supports your family’s needs. If an error was made when building your unique plumbing system, this is the time to catch it. Not only will a licensed plumber be able to catch any faulty mechanics, but they will also be able to ensure that your plumbing system is up to code, which will prevent problems down the road.

What do plumbers look for?

Water lines and valves

Running your main water line while opening and closing your water valves along smaller pipes will locate any leaks. This will be valuable information to know if you ever need to turn the water off to just one part of the house during an appliance upgrade or renovation. Likewise, identifying issues in your future home can help you negotiate better terms for your sale agreement.

Faucets, sinks and toilets

Drips and leaks will show any signs of incorrect installation. And while it’s not likely to come across this issue in a new construction home, testing your faucets, sinks and toilets will also check water pressure, drainage speed and temperature change.

Future concerns for you to keep in mind

An experienced professional will not only be able to fix problems happening right now they will be able to inspect for problems you might experience in the future. Does your future home have plumbing along an exterior wall? Your plumbing technician will be able to advise you where you might need to add pipe insulation to avoid frozen pipes during winter cold snaps.

If you’re ready to move into your custom built home, don’t forego an inspection to keep your home from costly water damage. Our experienced plumbing technicians have the tools and know-how to catch current concerns and detect future plumbing problems. Contact Wellbrook Plumbing to inspect your new construction home today.

Important plumbing updates to make to your home (and when)

Seasons, usage and age all play a factor in the efficiency of your home’s plumbing system. While regular maintenance to your system will prolong its life, it’s still necessary to invest in updates to keep your home comfortable and functional. If you’re not sure the best way to care for your home’s plumbing system, here are a few plumbing updates to make and when to make them:

Your water heater has an expiry date

Most water heaters can live for 10-15 years with regular maintenance before it’s time for a replacement. Not only do old water heaters become less efficient with time, but they also have a higher risk of springing a leak or producing rusty water near the end of their lives. While this may seem like a daunting and costly update, it is critical to have access to hot water in your home for cleaning, bathing and more. If you’re making the leap to a new water heater, consider a tankless water heater for better energy-efficiency and a reliable supply of hot water.

Keep your pipes and your water hot all winter long

Be prepared the next time winter comes back around in Niagara with proper pipe insulation. Pipe insulation is affordable and easy to install by simply wrapping a foam sleeve around your exposed metal pipes that line exterior walls. Avoid insulation all together by updating your metal plumbing with plastic pipes. Not only do plastic pipes not freeze, but they also are more affordable than copper and just as durable.

Updating your bathroom fixtures for a stylish and functional change

Switching out your bathroom fixtures can change the aesthetics of your bathroom completely. This simple remodel update will also provide better water efficiency while elimination leaks and drippy faucets. New bathroom fixtures are a win-win-win update. So when is the right time to make the switch? If you’re seeking a new look in your bathroom, anytime can be the right time. But, to get the most bang for your buck, update your bathroom fixtures before you sell to increase your home’s value.

If your home’s plumbing is due for an update, trust our team of experienced plumbing technicians to do the job right the first time. At Wellbrook Plumbing, we offer installation of boilers, faucets, toilets, water heaters and more. Click to learn more about our residential services or call us at 289-686-4695 for your in-home consultation.

Benefits of a Landlord and Plumber Partnership

Landlords play an integral role in making sure a rental is safe and liveable for tenants. Clogs and drains might be the simplest thing a tenant face, however, the call may still come your way in the middle of the night when nothing is flushing or emptying down the drains. As a landlord, partnering with a trusted plumber for your rental properties will allow you to leave the plumbing work to the professionals when the need arises.

Have someone ready to handle plumbing emergencies

Emergency plumbing services are a key service offering to look for when finding a plumber to partner with. When leaks or clogs happen in a rental property, you can send your emergency plumber to your tenants’ home to get the job done. A plumber will be able to outline exactly what is needed and what the situation is so as the landlord you know exactly what is going on. Your plumbing partner is there on your behalf. Based on the information provided by the plumber, you will be able to discuss the legal attributes with your tenants and lawyer about covering the situation.

Let us handle your plumbing so you can handle the rest

As a landlord, your primary job is to manage the property, find tenants, and keep your investments as pristine as you can, so why not hire skilled tradespeople, like a plumber, to handle the heavy lifting when it comes to maintenance and repair that is outside your area of expertise?? Rental properties are tough to monitor and tough to manage,  and it is nearly impossible to know what your tenants are doing that could cause or prevent plumbing problems and leaks while living in the home. Having a good relationship with a plumber and creating a trusting partnership will ensure that your tenants feel well looked after and will also ensure you can focus on your primary role day to day.

Partner with Wellbrook Plumbing

Wellbrook Plumbing is your local plumbing partner. If you are looking for any support or needed a plumber partnership in your area, feel free to call us at 289-686-4695 and we can schedule a meeting to discuss your plumbing and rental property needs.

Custom Homes Need Custom Plumbing

A custom home is unique and original. Therefore, they will need a unique and custom plumbing system. When building your dream home, you will want every feature to look how you envisioned it and be adaptable to your lifestyle. That is why it is crucial to consult a trusted plumbing company when designing your home and to properly install any fixtures for your plumbing needs in your new home.

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