5 Common Plumbing Myths Debunked
Most people have some basic know-how about the plumbing in their home. It’s important to be familiar with simple maintenance and repair techniques to keep your plumbing working at its best. There are, however, a number of common misconceptions in the plumbing world that can cost you a bundle and cause a lot of hassle. Here are a few plumbing myths that you should definitely avoid: Hot water can dissolve grease in your drain. It’s true that hot water can melt grease. The problem is that somewhere along the line that grease will cool down and solidify again. Not only does this cause build up in your drains, it also is a perfect glue for any hair, lint, or food solids that happen to wash down the drain as well. Eventually, this can cause a blockage that leads to emergency repair service. Flushable wipes are actually flushable. Don’t believe it. Personal wipes, make up removers and baby wipes do not break down quickly enough to eliminate the potential for blockage, and should be discarded in a garbage bin every time. Nothing but human waste and bathroom tissue should ever go into your toilet. A brick in the toilet can save water. Lots of people think if you throw a good old-fashioned brick in the toilet tank, it can save on water usage. In fact, a brick in the tank can cause your toilet to work inefficiently. If you are concerned with water conservation, consider installing a low flow toilet instead. They are fairly reasonable to purchase and use a fraction of the water per flush compared to a regular toilet. Kitty litter is safe for the drain. Many pet supply companies claim that their litter is safe to flush. While these products probably do break down eventually, the risk is there for them to cause blockages in your plumbing system. Don’t take the chance of damaged plumbing – discard your kitty’s litter in the garbage bin instead. Drain cleaners are safe for clearing clogs. Most homeowners have used chemical drain cleaners at some point or another. There are, however, a few challenges with using these products. Firstly, if they don’t work, or don’t work completely, you have the hazard of trying to clear a drain that is full of chemicals. Secondly, they can cause serious corrosion of your pipes, leading to bigger problems down the road. Lastly, chemicals in our drains are never the best choice for our environment. In our opinion, it’s best to avoid drain cleaners all together. If you do have a stubborn drain or a clogged toilet, we’re here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency service to meet all of your plumbing...
read more3 Reasons DIY Drain Snaking Is A Bad Idea
Every home owner experiences a clogged drain at some point or another. Many choose to try to clear it on their own to save the cost of professional plumbing services. Once all of the at-home techniques and drain products have failed, some DIY enthusiasts turn to the powerful jaws of a drain snake to finish the job once and for all. These can be manually operated, or electrically powered, and can be rented from most large home improvement stores. Seems like the perfect fix, right? Think again. Here’s why DIY drain snaking is a bad idea: Bigger isn’t always better. It’s important to have the right tool for every job. Using a large drain snake to clear a bathtub will almost certainly cause significant damage, while using a snake that is designed for kitchen and bathroom drains (referred to as a top-snake) won’t do a whole lot to help clear your basement sewer pipes. Damaged pipes and traps can result in serious repair costs. If too much force is used in clearing your drains, you could end up with cracks or breaks that could lead to full or partial replacement of your pipes. This often involves costly excavation and significant man hours. Professional equipment just works better. Drain experts have all of the right tools and know how to use them. One significant advantage is a camera system that allows plumbers to scope out the problem and develop a strategy to repair it effectively, while eliminating the risk for damage to your home’s plumbing system. It’s clear to see that DIY drain clearing can end up costing home owners way more than hiring a plumber. Knowing when to call in professional help can be the most cost-effective option in the long run. If you have a stubborn drain that you just can’t seem to clear, don’t take on the snake. Give the drain experts at Rite Tech a call...
read moreWhat Is a Sump Pump and Why Do You Need One?
If you’ve got a basement, you should probably have a sump pump. That’s because heavy rainfall, melting snow or even faulty plumbing can cause extensive damage to your home and your belongings in a very short amount of time if left unattended. Even more concerning is the dangerous mould and mildew that quickly begins to grow in wet environments. What does the sump pump do? The sump pump is installed in the lowest part of your basement, which is where moisture will begin to accumulate during a flood. As soon as the water reaches the device, it will automatically turn on and begin diverting (or pumping) fluid out of your basement. Once the water has been successfully removed, the pump turns itself off. A sump pump may seem like an unnecessary investment that you may never use, but when you compare the cost of repairs to your home and replacement of belongings, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to ensure your house stays dry in the event of a flood. If you don’t already have a sump pump in place, consider having one installed. Think of it as insurance for a rainy (or snowy) day. Does a sump pump need any maintenance? It’s a really good idea to have your sump pump inspected once a year to make sure it is in good working order. There’s no sense in having equipment that won’t work when you need it. A quick maintenance call is all you need to make sure that everything is in good shape and that your sump pump will work the way you need it to when the time comes. Whether you need a sump pump installed, or you want to make sure your existing one is in good repair, give Rite Tech a call to protect your home from costly water damage in the event of a...
read moreVacation Planning For Your Plumbing
Has the cold weather got you dreaming of a trip to the sunny south? If so, you’re in good company. Many Canadians flock to warmer climates for a reprieve from our harsh winters. Many of those people, however, will return home to a plumbing disaster that will take the trip from fab to drab in a hurry. Here’s how you can avoid that miserable fate and protect your home while you are away. Keep the Heat On It can be tempting to turn the heat off since you won’t be home to use it, but that could turn out to be a costly mistake. If the temperature drops below freezing outside, your pipes could burst. This is a major problem at any time, but is most especially concerning while no one is at home. Turn the Water Heater Off One appliance you can turn off is your water heater. There’s no need to keep your water at shower temperature when there’s no one there to use it! This is also helpful in protecting your element in the unlikely event that your water heater leaks or your pipes burst. Close the Main Water Valve If you plan to be away for any length of time, this is the one step that should not be missed. Turning off the water coming into your home can help mitigate any damage from plumbing leaks or problems anywhere in your house. Draining your lines after you turn off the valve will mean less water damage if there are any issues while you are on vacation. Have a Neighbour Check In It’s a good idea to have a friend or neighbour come in to check on your home during extended absences. This ensures that even if there is a problem – plumbing or otherwise – it does not go undetected for days or weeks on end. Cleaning up leaks and floods as soon as possible helps to prevent further damage to your...
read more4 Reasons to Hire A Professional Gas Fitter
Natural gas is a highly efficient source of energy, and can power everything from furnaces to water heaters, stove tops and fireplaces. Most of us can count at least a few appliances in our homes that are fueled by gas. Many people think that connecting and disconnecting gas lines can be a DIY project, but the truth is, only a professional gas fitter can ensure that the job is done safely and accurately. If you’re thinking about moving gas lines or connecting to appliances on your own, here are a just a few reasons you should consider calling a pro instead: Risk of Fire. Natural gas is extremely combustible – which is what makes it such a great source of energy. That also means that gas that is leaking from a poor connection, even in small amounts, can ignite easily and cause a fire or even an explosion. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Natural gas that does not completely burn up creates carbon monoxide. This can happen as a result of improper installation of lines or appliances, or inadequate venting. Carbon monoxide can lead to severe illness or even death if left undetected. Insurance. Damage to your home as a result of faulty work that was not completed by a professional will often be disputed by your insurance company. This means that costs for repairs could end up being out of pocket if something does go wrong. Resale. If you plan to sell your home, or just want to retain its value, being able to certify that all of your gas fitting work was completed by a professional will help to demonstrate your investment in the safety of your house. It’s clear the rewards are not worth the risk with DIY gas fitting. Call the friendly pros at Rite Tech for all of your gas fitting...
read more3 Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Plumbing
Not many people spend time thinking about their plumbing unless there is an urgent issue. We turn the tap and expect the water to come on, and when it does, we are more than satisfied with the result. The truth is, however, that the plumbing in your home can’t last forever. It’s important to know when to call in a professional before you have an emergency on your hands. Poor Water Pressure If you find the water pressure in your home leaves something to be desired, there’s a good chance the pipes old and may now be corroded. This could turn into problem for you as the plumbing continues to deteriorate. Modern plumbing materials are made from PVC which is a superior product that won’t rust or degrade like the old copper or lead options of the past. Check Your Water Meter Not all water leaks produce litres of water or tell-tale damage. Some of them are hidden from view, slowly dripping into your walls and potentially causing costly repairs down the road to both your plumbing and your home. The trick to spotting these hidden problems is simple. Turn off every single water source in your home, and watch your water meter for a while. If there are no leaks at all, your meter should stay static. If it moves, it’s time to call in a pro. Test Your Water Obtain a water quality test through the city’s water department to see if there is any lead or other contaminants in your water. Even without a professional sample kit, you can run water into a clear glass first thing in the morning before any water sources have been used. Check your sample for colour, smell and taste. If it seems off in any way, chances are you have some sediment in your pipes. If you suspect that it’s time to replace some or all of your plumbing system, or if you’d like to book an inspection to make sure everything is running as it should, call the friendly plumbers at Rite-Tech for a...
read moreAre You Prepared For A Plumbing Emergency?
Most people don’t think too much about their plumbing system until it becomes a problem. The truth is, however, that everyone should know what steps to take in the event of a major issue in order to prevent damage to your belongings and your home. Water that is allowed to flow freely can cause serious destruction in a matter of minutes, so it pays to know how to turn it off yourself before calling in your plumber to complete any repairs. Shut Off Valves To The Rescue If you have an overflowing toilet or a burst water pipe, there is a shut off valve that allows you to turn off the water to that source. Toilet valves are usually located behind the base at the floor level, while shut off valves for the sink are most often found inside the cabinetry. Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines also have their own shut off valves as well. This means that in the event of a serious malfunction or water leak, you are able to disconnect the water and prevent further leaks. When All Else Fails – Use Your Main Shut Off Valve In the event that you can’t find the individual shut off valve, or if it doesn’t work for one reason or another, you should locate the main shut off valve that allows city water to flow into your house. This valve can usually be found where the water supply enters your home, often on the lowest level. Turning off this valve means you will not have any water at all until repairs have been made and the water is turned on again, but it can be a life saver in the event of an emergency. Know Your Plumbing It can be easy to take your plumbing for granted, but figuring out where the emergency shut offs are in the midst of disaster isn’t necessarily the best solution. In order to prepare for the worst, make sure you: Take the time to locate the shut off valves for all of your fixtures and appliances Identify your main water shut off Test your shut off valves periodically to ensure they are in good working order Have any rusty or faulty valves replaced immediately Ensure all members of the family know where to locate the shut off valves and how to operate...
read moreEntertaining with Rite Tech?
It’s hard to imagine, but the holiday season is fast approaching, and before you know it, there will be plenty of hosting and entertaining to be done with family and friends. So, what does that have to do with your plumber? You’d be surprised to know how often we are called into action after a large gathering or party to fix slow drains and clogged toilets. Having a large number of guests over can be taxing on your plumbing system, so we’ve put together a few simple tips to help keep your drains flowing. Check your toilets and sinks before your big event. If you notice that drains are moving slowly, take steps ahead of time to clear the blockage so you don’t end up with a bigger problem when guests are present. Ensure that there are plenty of garbage and compost containers available for guests, and that they know where to dispose of food and dishes. Plastic cutlery, candles, food and paper products often get discarded in the sink during a party and can easily fall into the drain and cause major clogs! Likewise, make sure garbage containers in the bathrooms are available for guests. Otherwise people may be tempted to toss their trash in the toilet instead. In the kitchen, make sure anyone who is helping with food prep or clean up knows that pouring grease, fat or food scraps down the drain is a big no-no at your house. Of course, if you do end up with a kid’s toy in the toilet or risotto in your kitchen drain, we are here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency service – so we are always available when you need us. Our friendly and reliable team will have you back to your party in no...
read moreDrain Cleaning Services
At Rite Tech, we are pros at drain cleaning and have the skills and experience to tackle any drain problem, big or small. Count on us for all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs for service that is fast, reliable and affordable. Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Toilets If you have a nasty blockage in any of your bathroom or kitchen drains, we are here to help. These clogs can be caused by any number of things, from hair to grease to foreign objects in the drain. While it may be tempting to try and clear the problem yourself, this often leads to a more expensive repair down the road. We have the knowledge and equipment to clear the clog without causing damage to your finishes or existing plumbing, and we can get your drains in working order again in no time. Sewer and Main Drain Clogs Back-ups or blockages in sewers and drains can be alarming for homeowners, and can lead to significant property damage. These problems can build up over time due to tree root damage or broken underground pipes, resulting in a major plumbing issue. Our team has the professional equipment such as drain snakes and cameras that take the guess work out of underground plumbing, and can avoid unnecessary (and expensive) digging. Our advanced tools allow us to repair your sewer or drain effectively, with the minimal amount of disruption to your home. 24/7 Emergency Services We are here to help when you need it. That means that if your toilet is backed up at 10 p.m. or your floor drain is clogged at 2 a.m., we’re up for the job. Give us a call anytime of the day or night and we will send a trained professional to you immediately. Trust the expertise and dependability of the Rite Tech team to solve your plumbing emergency quickly and...
read more3 Causes for Refrigerator Leaks
If you are noticing water around your fridge, it’s time to sit up and take notice. That’s because water damage from a leaky refrigerator can range from minimal to major – so it’s important to accurately diagnose the issue and get it resolved as quickly as possible. Here are just a couple of possible problems that can cause your fridge to leak: Cracked Drip Pan Underneath your fridge you’ll find a drip pan that collects water that is collected from the defrost drain. This water generally will evaporate and not cause any problems at all. If, however, the pan is cracked, you’ll see water accumulating under and around your fridge. Take out the pan and inspect it. If you notice a crack, simply replace it and your fridge will be as good as new. Blocked Defrost Drain Your fridge is equipped with a defrost drain which directs water down to your drip pan to evaporate. If this drain becomes blocked with ice, clogged with food or covered up by refrigerator items, you could see a leak. Be sure to clean the drain with hot water and a cloth, and if necessary, use a wire brush or scour pad to remove any debris. Water/Ice Dispenser Line Replacing the water line to your fridge is a simple repair, but it can cause catastrophic damage to your home if a broken dispenser hose is left unattended. To prevent water line issues, be sure to pull out your fridge and inspect for wear and potential cracks developing. If you see cause for concern, replace the hose immediately. If you haven’t been so lucky, and your hose has already cracked, be sure to turn off the water supply and either replace the line yourself or call a professional to get the job done right...
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