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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Our sewer line is one of those things that we all take for granted. They do their job without ever been seen by the naked eye, and we are all grateful for that! They can, however, wreak havoc when they break, and cause damage both inside and outside your home. That’s why it’s important to know when a break is a possibility, and when to call in a professional. The nose knows If you are smelling unpleasant odours, either directly from your drains or around your yard, chances are you have an issue that needs to be addressed. It could be that you have cracks in your sewer line that are allowing gases to leak out, or else you have a break or major clog in your line that is sending those unhealthy gases right into your home. This is a sign that should never be ignored. A quick camera inspection is often all you will need to identify the problem and assess the need for urgent repairs. Multiple drain problems Everyone has a clogged sink or bathtub now and again that has to be cleared, but if your toilets and drains are having repeated issues, you may have a bigger problem at hand. Having repeated back ups in multiple household drains could mean that your sewer line is blocked, cracked or broken. Left unanswered, this can lead to property damage and costly repairs. A professional inspection will give you clear answers as to the cause of your situation, and allow you to seek out the necessary repairs before things get worse. Wet spots in your yard If you find yourself stepping in a stagnant puddle on your lawn that isn’t caused by a leaky hose or yesterday’s rain, be aware that there could be a cracked or broken sewer pipe below. This can be an early sign that repairs are necessary before nasty smells and drain issues occur within your home. Seek professional help Leaky or broken sewer pipes are not to be taken lightly. If you suspect a problem with your line, be sure to call the pros at Rite Tech for an accurate assessment and prompt repairs today. We offer 24/7 emergency service so don’t hesitate...
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Summer is finally upon us, and most people are more than happy to do away with the snow and ice, and trade it in for warm weather and sunshine. It’s the time of year where we entertain our family friends, take vacations and simply enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a good time, too, to take a look at your plumbing and ensure that you prevent any unforeseen issues that can put a damper on the summer festivities. Here are a few easy tips to make sure your plumbing is in good shape for the summer season: Check taps and hoses: Taps and hoses can crack or corrode over the cold winter months. Make sure to check all of your lines from beginning to end to make sure that you aren’t damaging your plants and wasting water from unidentified leaks. Replacing taps and hoses is relatively simple and inexpensive, and will save you money in the long run. Sprinkler Systems: Check your sprinkler systems to make sure the water pressure is adequate and the sprinkler heads are free from damage and debris. If you suspect a problem in the underground lines, be sure to have a professional plumber come in to address the issue before your landscaping and building foundation show the effects of water damage. Clear your toilet drains: Having company over the summer months is a lot of fun, but it puts added pressure on your plumbing for sure. With more people using your bathroom, it’s important to make sure everything is running smoothly so that you don’t end up with back ups and clogs later on. Avoid drain problems: Make sure that guests are aware of garbage and compost receptacles to avoid unwanted items going down sinks or toilets. If an alternative is readily available, people are more likely to use them. If you do discover a bigger problem, or encounter an emergency issue, we’re always here to help. Give us a call anytime for any of your plumbing concerns....
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