AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: How to Deal With a Clogged Sink Drain

Dealing with a clogged drain of any sort can be quite a headache, all the Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Is Your Water Leaking? Time to Call Your Local Plumber

Water leaks can be a significant problem for property and home owners all over the Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Plumbing Emergencies Toronto Residents Face

Potentially one of the most anxiety provoking issues home owners and property owners face is Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Galvanized Plumbing – Is Your Toronto Home At Risk?

Galvanized pipes were used regularly in the installation of Toronto home plumbing systems because they Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: 3 Reasons You Should Hire A Professional Toronto Dishwasher Installer

All across Greater Toronto there are dishwashers being installed each and every day. When it Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: 4 Common Sump Pump Problems to Watch Out For

A sump pump system is a wonder thing when it is working at peak performance. Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: 3 Reasons You Should Always Hire a Licensed Plumbing Service Provider

When it comes to your home’s plumbing system you can expect to deal with a Read more



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Top Toronto Plumbing Services – Water Service Upgrades

As part of our dedication to providing up to date and relevant information to our readers we’re embarking on a journey through the most common Toronto plumbing services. We face a large variety of calls on a regular basis but … Continue reading →



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Upgrade Your Plumbing Fixtures

It’s common for people to invest in home renovation as its one area that can really improve the value of your home. One area that can be especially of value is through kitchen and bathroom upgrades specifically the plumbing fixtures … Continue reading →



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Sewer Cleaning – The Be All, End All to Drainage Problems

It's not hard to become exasperated when toilets, sinks, and showers begin to exhibit drainage problems all at once. Sewer problems can lead to backed-up water and cause moldy waste water, ripe with bacteria, to flood into your home. These problems could present a serious risk to health, and attract such nasty insects as mold flies into your home, which are very difficult to get out.

If you've already been the process of snaking, plunging, drain cleaners, and whatever else you could think of to try to stem the problem, it is time to accept that you may need to clean out your sewer or drainage system.

Most drain problems start as simple clogs in the drainage pipes. Left on their own, these small clogs may move down the pipe. Once this happens, you can be in for a serious problem with backed up water even a possibility. This type of full cleaning is best left to professionals, as they know the quickest, and most effective methods of cleaning out a sewer.

It may take a couple days to accomplish a full sewer cleaning, but it is totally necessary when your pipes are constantly clogging. Putting off a sewer cleaning could end up with your house flooded, causing massive property damage, and costing you even more money in the long run.

A prompt and professional Toronto sewer cleaning can save you time and money, and is often the only way to banish those pesky drainage problems once and for all.

Simple Steps to Take First

Before ordering a full on drain-cleaning you may want to have a plumber perform a proper drain inspection. These are quick and painless and can confirm if the sewer is in fact your problem, or if it is something else.

Try to narrow down the problem first, but if you're having drainage problems all around the house, the only real solution is a proper sewer cleaning. Try not to spend too much time delaying, because, as mentioned earlier, a full-blown sewer problem can erupt into a disaster for your house.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Toronto Plumbers Solving Your Leak Problems

Imagine you’re tap is dripping right now, think about how bad this could become if left unattended for a few months. Imagine just how much water is being wasted, which costs not only you money out of your own pocket, … Continue reading →



via Absolute Draining & Plumbing http://www.absolutedp.com/2012/toronto-plumbers-solving-your-leak-problems

Why a Sewer Inspection is Vital When Buying a New Home

When buying a home, the plumbing is usually the last thing on your mind. You're thinking about the price, the neighborhood, schools for your kids, financing, any number of things other than the plumbing of the house in question. Many homeowners overlook this very vital and necessary piece of information, and end up paying for it a few years down the road.

If the house you're looking at buying is over 15 years old, you will definitely need a Toronto sewer inspection. Many problems can occur in the drain lines under the house. The most common problems being a tree root growing into and intruding on a pipe, or a cracked, clogged, or broken pipe.

Get a Sewer Inspection Before Buying

Sewer inspections are quick jobs that plumbers can perform in just a couple hours using new equipment such as CCTV video cameras. They can look inside the house's plumbing and see the conditions of the pipes. This is very vital information for you to have as a home buyer.

If the house is old, the pipes could be cracking. An inspection will turn this up before you buy and it becomes your problem.

If you discover bad piping you then have a bargaining chip to use when negotiating for the house. You could demand to have the problems fixed before you buy, or knock the price down a bit for bad plumbing.

Overlooking a sewer inspection can lead to some very big headaches in the future. Possible property damage, huge plumbing bills, the house could even be condemned if it's bad enough. So, don't put yourself in that position, and stay informed. The condition of a house's plumbing could potentially be the most important piece of knowledge of all when considering whether to buy a home.

If you don't want to pay the plumber's bill out of your pocket, ask the current owners or bank if the plumbing has been inspected recently. If it has, there is a possibility that the CCTV footage the plumber took has been saved. If so, ask if you can look it over. If not, move along.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Sewer Replacement in Toronto

Many homeowners will eventually face the frustration and stress of sewer problems. Most people will want to hire a professional plumber to come out and deal with the problem of repairing or replacing their sewer. When it comes to this … Continue reading →



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DIY Tools To Clean Your Drain

Clogged drains can certainly be a headache; most people quickly head out to grab “liquid plumber” solutions to fix the problem. However, using chemicals you’ve purchased from the hardware store or supermarket can sometimes not be enough to completely clear you drain. They may provide some assistance and clear minor blockages, but when it comes to actually clearing those tough to get problems you may be left high and dry. But fear not, there are tools out there that can clear your drain and restore its function back like new again. As always, we highly recommend that you hire a professional Toronto plumber to deal with your drain cleaning problems as a true expert will have the know-how and experience to get the job done fast, and effectively.

Toilet Auger

A closet or toilet auger is a simple, small auger that can help to clear your toilet. It has a cable with a very limited range, typically up to 2 meters in length, which is inserted into your toilet and can pass around the bends to clear any serious blockages. Most people will find this a fairly easy tool to use and people usually do not run into problems when it is used as per the instructions and can solve some basic toilet clogs themselves this way.

Plunger

The plunger is possibly one of the most well-known plumbing tools which can solve a myriad of drain problems. It can tackle clogged showers, sinks, toilets, and generally anywhere that there are blockages with drainage – a plumber should be your first try go-to tool of choice. There are some specific circumstances where you should perhaps not employ a plunger, especially if it is providing no results initially. When it comes to your main drain if there is a serious blockage then attempting to plunge the debris away may result in water being forced into other connections that and overflow happening elsewhere in the property. But this is rare.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Hey Toronto! Replace Those Lead Pipes!

When is it a good time to have your pipes replaced? Well, if you happen to be one of the unlucky home owners in Toronto that still has lead pipes in their plumbing system the answer is clearly – NOW! … Continue reading →



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Considering In-Ground Piping?

When it comes to in-ground piping nearly every plumbing system out there will have some pipes in the ground. It most likely is sewer service line. Often time’s people will need to add or modify their plumbing when renovating their home. We always recommend that you acquire the services of a professional Toronto plumbing contractor when it comes to this sort of work. If you have and uncertainties of the risks or proper procedures involved in this work – get a professional to do it for you.  That said there are some basics to in-ground piping that should adhered to.

Consider the Weight

One issue that must be addressed when dealing with in-ground piping is the considerable weight that is above the pipes. The installation of the pipes must be able to withstand the weight of the soil and concrete that will be above them. So when digging out the trench for the pipes it’s important to ensure that they are completely uniform. If there is a bulge in the ground it can eventually squish the pipe and press it out of true shape. Alternatively, if there are empty spaces below the pipe it can cause the pipe to break or sag. These problems need to be worked out before you can consider the installation of in-ground pipes a success, as these problems will require you to tear up your ground in the future if you don’t have them taken care of sufficiently before you pour the flooring.

Protect Your Plumbing

Chances are pretty good that labourers and concrete workers will bump into your work so it’s best to protect the placement of your drains, and stack risers steady their position using a pipe holder attach to a piece of rebar that’s hammered into the ground. This will make sure that your plumbing stays exactly as you want. Further, make sure that any drains or openings are protected from debris, you can wrap the drain covers in tape or cover them with bags to ensure that they are 100% free from debris entering into them.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: The City of Toronto Helps Prevent Basement Flooding

When heavy weather hits the City of Toronto basement flooding is on the minds of quite a number of homeowners. It doesn’t take much for some people to experience a flood in their basement depending upon the age of their … Continue reading →



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Have water service? That means you need a plumber

Let's face it, if you have water services that are providing your home or property with potable water you absolutely must take care of this system. Your plumbing system is utterly integral to the well being of your home, if you're plumbing stops function or there is a major problem not only will it significantly disrupt your lifestyle (imagine not being able to shower, run your tap, wash your hands, etc) but it could also end up becoming a problem that costs you a large amount of money.

Luckily, a well maintained plumbing system will last for a very longtime indeed. It is recommended that you call upon a Toronto plumbing contractor at least every 2-3 years to inspect your whole plumbing system. This is usually not a huge job depending upon your specific plumbing setup of course but it is a very important task nonetheless. With services from a fully qualified drain expert you can be sure that you are well taken care of.

An effective method of drain inspection is the use of a CCTV camera. It is inserted into the drainpipe itself which then reveals with incredible detail the interior of the pipes within the plumbing system. This is a very thorough method of inspecting a drain. We see with great detail all problems such as root infestation, cracks, blockages or potential blockages, and any loose debris that become a problem or already be causing a problem. Then we can implement Toronto drain cleaning services such as drain snaking or hydro jetting to solve the issue, and if need be, we can even implement a drain liner to restore your drain pipe back to working order.

Needless to say, if you have water services you need a qualifed plumber to inspect and manage your plumbing system at some point. It's also important to make sure that your plumber is a licensed, insured, and professional contractor or else you may end up with more of a problem then you began with.

Looking for a plumber in Toronto? Make sure they're qualified

When it comes time to hire plumber in Toronto it is important that you hire the services of a professional. This is not always a difficult task, go online and start searching through websites is always the first, best thing to in our modern times. There are a wide variety of professional plumbing contractors that have websites and offer a wide variety of plumbing services including drain cleaning, drain snaking, backwater valve installation, sump pump installation, and more. Make sure that the websites list full contact information so that you know they are a reputable company. After all, why would a reputable company hide this information?

Write down the information of a few plumbers in Toronto that catch your attention. Before you call them up however, be certain that you go through and create your own list of all the plumbing problems you'd like them to take a look at. This will save you time on the phone as you'll have all the proper plumbing problems listed right in front of you. Now remember, a truly professional Toronto plumbing contractor will provide you with a detailed written proposal for you to hold onto. You should expect that the plumbers are clean, professional, and fully insured. Ask them for copies of all credentials to ensure that they are who they claim to be.

Think you've made a good enough list of your plumbing problems? Consider those minor annoyances that maybe you've just learned to overlook such as your leaking or dripping faucets, drains that seem to drain a little slower than they were initially. Anything that hasn't had attention in the past 3+ years is suspect as there is always a chance that these have started to form blockages or other problems so you should make sure to ask the Toronto plumbing contractor to inspect anything that you are unsure of as well. Think of it this way, if you can get a minor problem fixed right now you aren't having to deal with it down the road when it becomes a major issue that may cost you far more.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: How to Stop Water Hammer Noise

Chances are you know exactly what water hammer is; it’s that loud banging come from the pipes and you can hear it when the water has been shut off. Learning how to stop water hammer noise can be at the … Continue reading →



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Find a licensed Toronto plumber to install your backwater valve

The installation of a backwater valve will help your sewer and drain systems to perform at their optimal performance, eliminating flooding and sewer back-flow.

In the event of flooding sewage and other dirty water from sanitary sewers can sometimes backup into homes through drain pipes resulting in extremely costly damage and hazardous conditions for the home. When a backwater valve is installed on the sewer line it allows the flow of water in a single direction eliminating the possibility for this to happen. It is a one-way valve, water can only flow out, therefore no sanitary or sewer water will be traveling back into the home. Backwater valves are mandatory in all new construction projects.

All newly built homes require the installation of backwater valves. Installation of a backwater valve is also mandatory as stated by the Municipal Building Code if an existing home’s plumbing fixtures happen to be located below the first upstream manhole sewer cover at the top of your street. This is for good reason as otherwise there presents the opportunity for sewer to back-flow into the home. One important thing to note is that the backwater valve has to be installed by a licensed Toronto plumber. In some circumstances single-family home owners can apply for rebates, the City of Toronto offers up to $3200 in flood prevention rebates.

Our recent summer provided ample amounts of dry weather interspersed with intense moments of rainfall. More than a few homes were flooded this summer especially those located in the Scarborough area. Flooding can be remedied through various means usually requiring the installation of a backwater valve and at the very least a sump pump. In either case, a qualified Toronto plumbing contractor must perform these installations in order to ensure that they are up to the Cities regulations for home owners to be eligible to receive their municipal rebate.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: How Can A Sump Pump Backup Battery Help?

When it comes to keeping your basement and foundation dry during heavy weather, a sump pump is a must-have flood prevention device. When the heavy rain starts to fall, as it certainly did this past summer, the water table rises … Continue reading →



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Watch Out For Sewer Backflow Toronto!

With the recent heavy rainfalls in the City of Toronto it is not surprising that there have been numerous reports of flooded basements. There are a variety of causes of basement flooding: Inadequate property drainage or failure of the foundation … Continue reading →



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Hydro-jetting, one very effective drain cleaning method

Sit back and consider for just a moment, where you sit chances are pretty good you are utterly surrounded by plumbing running through the walls, flooring, and ceiling. Assuming that you are not reading this on a mobile device walking … Continue reading →



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: How To Fix A Running Toilet

When you’ve got a running toilet it makes itself known – you can easily identify this from the sound of the water running in the tank constantly. This is a significant problem as it is essentially wasting a lot of … Continue reading →



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Why putting off a drain inspection could be a tragic mistake

Let’s face it – times are tough and money is tighter than ever. One affect our tough economic times have on most home owners is that they are putting off small maintenance issues, until dealing with them becomes unavoidable. When … Continue reading →



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Six steps to finding a reliable plumbing contractors

When it comes to a hiring a licensed plumbing contractor many do not know where to begin. They do not know who to call and end up conducting an aimless internet search that results in confusing results. The internet is a good resource, but you have to narrow down your search by location and your particular needs. 

Aside from finding possible options, how do you make sure that you are hiring a licensed plumbing contractor? Well the answer to that question is easy, you just have to know what to look for when going through the process of hiring one. Here are some of those things below.

Get job references
Job references are great for those who want to know which plumbing contractors they should consider. It is also a way to make sure that they are legitimate and do good work.

Ask to see their license.
This is straightforward and easy. All plumbing contractors with a license should have their license with them and be willing to show you. 

 
Get a minimum of three estimates.
Estimates are very important because you want to know what you are paying and you want the opportunity to compare deals. Every licensed plumbing contractor will have no problem providing potential customers with a detailed estimate.

Get a written contract.
Getting a written contract for your records is crucial. Every contract provided to you by your plumbing contractor should have record of what work is going to be done along with the time and the price.

Check on the company with the Better Business Bureau.
In order to get the complete truth and discover whether your chosen plumbing contractor is licensed and legitimate check with the Better Business Bureau via phone or online. Here you can check any outstanding issues and credentials.

Avoid paying cash.
Paying with cash could be a huge mistake and if a plumbing contractor accepts cash, this can be a warning sign.

Overall, making sure you are hiring a plumbing contractor that is licensed is easy. All you have to do is research possible options and ask to see their license. Just remember that it is important to hire a contractor with a license because not only do they have the training and expertise needed but also licensed contractors have workers compensation, liability insurance, and the ability to sign and obtain permits, which protect you as a homeowner. 

Shameless plug alert

If you're located near Toronto and looking for licensed, insured, bonded plumbers just give Absolute Draining & Plumbing, your local Toronto plumbers a call - we'll make sure your plumbing needs are fully taken care of.

AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: Plumbing myths we can all live without – Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of the plumbing myths series if you missed the first part you can read it here. We’re tackling plumbing myths large and small in the hopes that people will gain an understanding of what actually is, … Continue reading →



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AbsoluteDP.com Blog Entry: 3 Shocking Home Plumbing Myths – Part 1

Everybody’s heard of old wives’ tales; beliefs that have been passed down through generations that typically are not founded in much more than superstition. Stuff like ‘You should get out of bed from the same side you got in if … Continue reading →



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Signs it may be time to have your water service upgraded

There are many signs that a person’s water service needs to be upgraded. It is possible for a homeowner to reside in a home without realizing that it is time for their service to be upgraded therefore it is important to look out for a few key signs in order to make sure that the property has up to date service. One obvious thing to look out for is to be knowledgeable about the time frame in which the home was built and whether or not the property was built before newer technologies became available. 

Many experts identify homes built before the 1970s as needing their service upgraded. This is because it is often the homeowner’s responsibility to advocate for upgraded service and if the previous homeowners did not do this then it is possible that the home might need upgraded water supply. Older home require upgrades and while it is quite common for the new owner of the home to ensure that the inside of the house has been upgraded, something such as the water pressure can be easily overlooked. The homeowner should keep accurate records of the improvements made to their home and ensure that the proper water service upgrade has occurred. If the homeowner is currently experiencing problems with their water pressure then it is possible that the homeowner might need a water service upgrade to fix that problem. First however, it is important to ensure that the water problems are not due to any plumbing issues, the next recommended step is to investigate the quality of their water supply. 

Another sign that a person’s water service needs to be upgraded is if there is a round cast-iron valve box. This particular box can be found in the alley or sidewalk or sometimes located in the homeowner’s back yard near the back fence. The round cast-iron valve box cannot be used in order to get adequate water service and it does not function as well. It is recommended that the homeowner upgrade in order to replace the circular box with a rectangular box with a concrete lid. This box should be larger in size and will help ensure that the home is meter-ready. It is not recommended for a person to make changes to their service independently but seek the assistance of a professional plumber to tend to this.

Another sign that a person might need better water service is if they are experiencing problems with their current service. Changes in water pressure or an absence of water is a clear indicator that it is time to upgrade. Any changes in water usage might require an upgrade as well so homeowners who have expanded the size of their home or increase the members of their household might require a water service upgrade. The same will apply to small businesses that plan to inhibit a building and depending on the type of business might experience an intake of water. It is advised that people who have experienced a change in water intake contact their local Water Utility representative.