Spring is Coming: Five Ways to Keep Your Basement Dry
With warmer temperatures and wetter conditions on the way, some homes are at risk of seasonal basement flooding. While you can’t control the weather, there are a few things you can do as a homeowner to help keep your basement dry. Ensure Water Flows Away From the House Occasionally, the landscaping around your home is to be blamed for water buildup around the foundation. Ensure that water is graded in such a way that it slopes away from your home to prevent the accumulation of water. Surround the Basement With Rocks and Gravel Adding layers of rocks and gravel around the periphery of the basement is an inexpensive but effective way to help water drain away from your basement quickly. It also reduces moisture accumulation around the house. Install Window Wells Around Basement Windows Basement windows can collect and retain water if they haven’t been properly constructed. However, by installing window wells and lining them with gravel, homeowners can prevent water retention and seepage through the windows that can end up pooling on the basement floor. Install a Basement Drainage System Chronic basement leaks may require homeowners to install drainage tubing below their basement floor. This drain is connected to your sump pump and will drain the water away, helping to keep your basement nice and dry. Install a Sump Pump When it comes to preventing flooding, a sump pump is one of the best options homeowners have. Sump pumps pick up water from a hole positioned at the lowest part of the basement floor and pump it away from the home’s foundation. By hooking your basement drainage system to your sump pump, excess water will be pumped away before it can do real damage to your basement. It’s important to inspect your basement and find the root cause of the leaks if your basement is taking on water. While basement floods can sometimes be attributed to elements outside the home or within the foundation (like cracks that let moisture seep through), there may also be issues with pipes as well. If your basement is finished, look for signs of leaks behind the drywall, such as stains, peeling paint, or damp plaster. If you have a bathroom in the basement, check the plumbing there as well for any leaks. Water damage isn’t something to be taken lightly. Taking on water in your basement can lead to mould buildup that can be a health hazard. It will also begin to damage the underlying structure of the home by rotting wood and plaster. The faster you can remove the water – and find and fix the root cause of the problem – the better. If you have a basement that’s prone to flooding or want to protect your Kelowna-area home from flooding in the future, we can help. Call us...
read moreHow To Identify and Prevent Potential Sewer Back Ups
Although the weather is still pretty frosty, spring really is going to be upon us in no time. We all relish the warm weather and happily accept the showers that come along with it. Your plumbing, however, can be severely impacted by the changing season. Melting snow, rain showers and growing tree roots can all wreak havoc on your main sewer line, causing clogs and potential back ups. What Happens When the Sewer Line Backs Up? If your sewer gets blocked or clogged and is not properly cleared in time, you can end up with that sewage making its way up through your sinks and bathtubs, or even onto your front lawn! Not only is this unpleasant at best, it is a real safety hazard to come into contact with raw sewage. Sewer back ups can lead to costly abatement and repairs to your home – unexpected expenses and hassle that no home owner wants to deal with! So, how do we prevent this disgusting debacle? We know you aren’t in the habit of inspecting your sewer lines on a regular basis, so here are 4 symptoms of a possible sewer back up for you to look out for: Slow drains – slowly draining tubs, showers and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines could be an important clue that the water level in your sewer is abnormally high. Smelly drains – if you notice an unpleasant smell in most or all of your drains, you could be headed for trouble. This could mean that sewage is already backing up in your lines, or at the very least, is not draining properly. Soggy or wet spots around your underground sewage or vent pipe outside – this could be a sign that the raw sewage is seeping out of cracks or vents in your plumbing. Water back-ups – if your drains back up when you use a different water source in your home, this could indicate that the sewers aren’t clearing properly. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call Rite Tech right away. We will come assess your plumbing, and let you know if you have any cause for concern. If your sewer is blocked, we can clear it for you before any of the nasty damage from overflowing sewage occurs in your home. This is one case where the “wait and see” approach can cost you way more than the price of prevention. If you suspect sewer problems, have your plumbing inspected before your little problem turns into a really big...
read morePlumbing Resolutions for 2020
Happy New Year from your friends at Rite Tech Plumbing!! We hope the year ahead brings health and happiness to you and your family! The new year is a time to reflect on the things that are near and dear to us, and how to improve our lives going forward. Many people think about being more fiscally responsible, achieving personal goals or becoming more physically fit – all admirable choices for self improvement! While you are contemplating how to bring positive change into your life, it is also a good idea to consider how to help your home run more efficiently and to proactively prevent unforeseen problems throughout the year. Here are just a few plumbing “resolutions” that you might entertain to bring practical changes into your home for the coming year: Be more efficient. Make the switch to energy efficient appliances where you can, and use your local ‘time of use guidelines’ to help reduce energy use while also minimizing your hydro bill. Save water. Water waste is an unnecessary evil that is simple to remedy. Make sure your taps and faucets are leak free, install water saving shower heads, consider an on-demand water heating system, and develop a rainwater collection system to use for watering lawns and gardens. Fix faulty toilets. A toilet that runs can not only damage your floors and walls, but it also wastes a whole lot of water. Fix or replace leaky or running toilets to save water and to protect your home from damage. Improve water pressure. Low water pressure doesn’t have to be an accepted reality in your house. There are many ways to address water pressure issues without breaking the bank. If cleaning out sediment from your fixtures or changing shower heads doesn’t work, your plumber can help to determine the culprit, enabling you to enjoy maximum flow in your shower or bath. Schedule annual maintenance checks. Avoid costly repairs and potential damage by having a professional plumber inspect your lines, taps, appliances and drains. Getting ahead of any problems can save you both money and hassle later on, so put a plumbing check on your “to do” list for each January. Whether you are looking for maintenance and advice on keeping your plumbing resolutions, or are in need of emergency repairs, Rite Tech is here to help 24/7. Give us a call for all of your plumbing...
read moreSenior Family Members and Plumbing Safety
Most of us know to routinely inspect our faucets and drains, follow our winter weather checklists and generally have a fairly good handle on the status of our home’s plumbing. Unfortunately, many of our senior family members, while still healthy enough to stay in their own homes, do not have the ability to do the same. This is easily overlooked by other family members and caregivers whose main priorities are to ensure proper diet, heath care and housekeeping for their loved ones. The fact is, however, that improperly maintained plumbing can pose serious risks for seniors. Tips For Home Plumbing Inspections For Seniors Here are just a few things you can check to keep your elderly family member safe: Check for leaky toilets, showers and drains that could be leaving water on the floor. This poses a slip and fall risk for anybody, but can be particularly dangerous for our most experienced family members. Ensure the hot water tank temperature is regulated properly. There’s a fine balance between maintaining a temperature that discourages bacteria growth and ensuring that the water doesn’t come out of the shower or faucet at a temperature that can scald. A mixing valve can help to prevent fluctuations and keep temperature consistent. Make sure the seniors in your life have pressure and temperature valves that can prevent water from becoming very hot or cold when other water sources, such as a toilet, are used. While it may seem like a simple inconvenience to wait a minute for consistent temperature or water pressure, these fluctuations can lead to burns very quickly – especially for those with more delicate skin. Check for back up or signs of flooding around the sewer pipe. Your loved one may not be checking things out in the basement as often as they once did, so take a look to see if any maintenance is required. Not only can sewer back-ups cause costly flooding, but they pose a serious health risk if not properly repaired and expertly cleaned. Professional Plumbing Help For Maintenance and Repairs Of course, the best way to ensure that your senior family member’s plumbing is working at its best is to book a maintenance call with Rite Tech Plumbing. We’ll make sure that everything is running smoothly to ensure problem free plumbing that helps to keep your loved one safe at...
read moreFall Plumbing Tips for Kelowna Homeowners
Well the weather outside isn’t quite frightful yet, but the cooler temperatures are a stark reminder that winter is on its way. Most of us equate fall with raking leaves and wrapping up our outdoor plants to protect them from the season ahead. While these are important steps to take to prepare for the weather ahead, it’s important to get your plumbing ready for the season before the mercury really starts dropping. Here are a few key steps to ensure your plumbing is ready for winter weather: Check all outdoor faucets. Make sure all of your faucets are in good working order and that there are no cracks or leaks. Having these little problems repaired in the fall can help to prevent even bigger ones by the time spring rolls around. Make sure the shut off valve is closed. Most homes have a shut off valve that leads to the outside water supply. Turning this off for the colder months is an easy way to protect your home from frozen pipes and potential water damage. Remove all exterior hoses. All of your garden hoses and exterior water lines should be disconnected from your home and stored for the winter. No matter how durable your equipment is, trapped water can freeze and damage not just your hose, but your home’s interior plumbing as well. It’s a simple step that can prevent a lot of big headaches later on! Schedule a maintenance call for your sump pump and hot water heater. These appliances are especially important during the winter months and should be inspected to ensure they will work properly for you all season long. Having minor repairs completed in advance can save on costly damage should your equipment fail when you need it the most. Prepare for plumbing emergencies while on vacation. Even if you are away from home, make sure the temperature on your thermostat is set high enough to prevent your pipes from freezing. It’s also a good idea to turn off the main water valve just in case an issue arises with your plumbing while you are away. If you need help getting your house ready for winter, call Rite Tech for a free consultation. We’re happy to assist with last minute repairs, equipment replacement, inspections and, of course, emergency...
read more4 Things to Avoid When Choosing A Plumber
Everyone needs to call a plumber now and again. Whether it’s a frozen pipe or a clogged drain, there comes a time when you have to make the call. So how do you know who you can trust when there are so many plumbers out there to choose from? By knowing who NOT to trust. Having a dependable plumber who can provide you with knowledgeable service is key to ensuring that your plumbing work gets done properly, and that the budget doesn’t spiral out of control! Here are a few things that should make you go “hmmm” the next time you’re looking for a plumber: No written quote: If your plumber can’t commit to the project scope and cost ahead of time, you could end up having added costs at the end of your job. It’s always best to have any fees listed upfront in writing, with an explanation of what, exactly, is being done. Lack of credentials: Your plumber should be able to tell you (or have advertised) their level of training and expertise. If you can’t see demonstrated experience or note a reluctance to provide you with references regarding their work, you might want to look elsewhere. Prices that are beyond compare: We all want to get the best deal, of course, but if one quote is significantly lower than the others, you should consider what that might mean. Chances are, you are getting sub-standard equipment, parts and service in order to accommodate that lower cost. Going with the cheapest option could end up costing you more to have shoddy work repaired later on. Pressure to sign: Most of the time when you call a plumber, you’ve got a bit of a stressful situation on hand. It can sometimes mean you have to make financial decisions quickly in order to avoid further damage. With that said, you should never feel pressured by your plumber to commit when you are unsure or unprepared. A good plumber knows how to explain your options without adding undue anxiety to the process. If you’re looking for a qualified plumber that is honest and reliable, give Rite Tech a call. We offer 24/7 emergency service, so no matter what plumbing issues arise, we can be there to help. We’ll give you an upfront quote so you know there are no surprises in store, and we will explain your options so you can make an informed decision. We take the guesswork out of choosing a plumber in...
read more5 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...
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