leaking

Do You Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve is?

Many homeowners think that if something goes wrong with any of our home’s plumbing, we can simply call a plumber. While this might be true for many repairs, including emergencies, this is not the case with your water shut-off valve. You and your family members need to know where the water shut-off valve is and how to turn it off. Here’s why, and how, to turn it off.

The Damage Water Can Do

Over time, water in your home can cause considerable damage. The longer the water is running and collecting in your home, the worse the damage will be. You need to know where your shut-off valve is and stop the water from pouring into your home as quickly as you can.

Signs that you have leaking water include water pockets in the paint on the walls, or flaking and peeling paint. Additional signs can include mold, or unusual levels of moisture in your home. For a more serious issue, like a damaged pipe, you might actually see the water running. With water pooling on the floor, it will put both your flooring and walls at risk of excessive damage. 

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4 Plumbing Basics Homeowners Should Know

12769895_sEvery homeowner should know plumbing basics so that there’s less mystery when water problems do occur. Gravity and pressure are two of the most fundamental concepts of plumbing, which is comprised of two separate subsystems.  The supply system allows fresh water in, while the drainage system forces waste water out. Knowing that water seeks its own level helps demystify plumbing systems. Below are some of the most important plumbing basics for homeowners to know.

1. Main Shut-off Valve

It’s a good idea to know where the main shutoff valve is in case of an emergency. Water coming into your home is under pressure, measured by a meter, which is usually in close proximity with the main shutoff valve. Knowing how to shut off this valve quickly can save your property from a flood caused by a broken pipe. 

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Will Your Foundation Cracks Result in a Wet Basement?

Foundation Cracks Wet BasementYour house is much more than just a building. It is your home, the place where you and your family feel safe and secure. Anything that puts your home at risk can have a major impact on your life.

That’s one of the reasons why homeowners tend to worry at the first sign of any cracks, especially when they appear in, or are related to, foundations. The main concern is whether the structure is safe. It is extremely rare that foundation cracks will result in an unsafe building. But, can the same be said about the potential for a wet basement?

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What is Causing Your Damp Basement?

damp basementYou had great plans to have a downstairs bedroom or family and entertainment room, but you’ve realised that none of them will come to fruition because you have a damp basement. There are a number reasons why moisture might collect in basement spaces, and many of them are fairly easy to remedy.

Causes and Solutions

Basements may become damp or flooded during and after heavy rain like that experienced in the Toronto storms of July 2013 or when snow melts rapidly. In addition, factors inside your home may be triggering the increase of moisture. Causes of a damp basement include:

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What to Do When Your Water Heater is Leaking

Water Heater is LeakingThere is usually no reason to panic when your water heater starts leaking. It is a common problem faced by households and can be fixed without the help of a licensed plumber most of the time. When you find that your water heater is leaking, the first thing you should do is identify the source and cause of the leakage. It may be a worn out valve, faulty connection or corroded tank. Once you have determined what is causing the problem, fixing the water heater is a matter of changing the setting or repairing or replacing the faulty components. You may need a screw driver and an adjustable wrench for this job.

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Troubleshooting Your Kitchen Sink Plumbing Issues

Kitchen Sink Plumbing IssuesA blocked kitchen sink is a problem everyone faces at one time or another. For those who do dishes in the sink, it can be highly frustrating when the water refuses to drain away, or takes much longer than usual. It is often the result of large amounts of food scraps and other waste matters accumulating and getting stuck in the drainpipe. Clogged drainpipes are not the only kitchen sink plumbing issue you have to deal with from time to time. Other problems include leaking faucets, leaking drain baskets and broken garbage disposal units.

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How to Fix a Leaky Toilet

Leaky ToiletFew things can cause more inconvenience in the bathroom than a leaky toilet. It makes the floor wet, spongy and slippery. If left unattended for a long time, it can permanently damage the floor. People have been known to slip on such a floor and hurt themselves. A leaking toilet is usually the result of nuts, bolts, rubber gaskets and spud washers in the toilet tank, deteriorating over time due to the action of minerals present in water and oxygen present in the air.

Fixing a leaky toilet is not difficult if you don’t mind doing some manual work. It mostly involves fixing loose nuts and bolts or replacing the corroded or worn out components with new ones. The first step is to determine the point where leakage is occurring and then take action accordingly.

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5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures

Leaky FixturesThere is a time to service and there is a time to repair plumbing fixtures. The only way to know what to do is to have a professional plumber check your problem and advise you on the best course of action. Conventionally, plumbing fixtures refer to exchangeable devices that are connected to an existing plumbing system to deliver and drain away water. Typical plumbing fixtures include bathtubs, bidets, trench drains, sinks, showers, taps, toilets, terminal valves for ice makers, dishwashers and humidifiers. Below is a list of the top five signs it’s time to replace your plumbing fixtures:

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What You Need to Know About Waterproofing Basement Walls

basement-waterproofingBasements can be a source of family fun, a place to learn new hobbies, an escape or a great storage facility.  They are also one of the most vulnerable parts of your house when it comes to water damage.

Waterproofing basement walls is something that every homeowner should get interested in, the minute the real estate deal is finalized.  If it’s done correctly, you’ll never notice a difference, but if it isn’t you could be in for a whole lot of expense and headache. 

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