Wednesday, December 29, 2021

6 Things to Look For When Choosing Pipes for Commercial Buildings

In choosing the types of pipes for commercial buildings, one must consider many plumbing pipes for commercial buildings. You usually use plumbing pipes such as Copper and PVC, depending on the application and the installation. Furthermore, some types of plumbing pipe types, such as galvanized and brass, must also be considered.

Insofar as industrial establishments and other commercial buildings are concerned, the progress and the success of the overall operation depend on certain factors. The system that runs along the walls and ceilings furnishes the commercial facility with different required fluids. However, like most crucial systems, pipe fittings likewise need repairs and ultimately complete replacement.

Types of plumbing pipes

  1. Stainless Steel – Stainless steel looks very clean; however, it is costly. You often use stainless steel pipes in areas that are prone to corrosion as well as near coastal regions.
  2. PEX This kind of material provides for a one-of-a-kind convenience in commercial plumbing systems. Therefore, they are malleable and get bent according to the fluid’s pressure and temperature passing through them. PEX is also fit for outdoor usage because it reacts with UV rays.
  3. Copper – This type of material is relatively expensive, as you base it on its extreme durability and corrosion resistance. Because of this, it is suitable for both hot and cold applications and fit for enduring high pressure.
  4. PVC The most used pipes. They find usage in both commercial and domestic settings. Moreover, you primarily use them indoors.
  5. Galvanized – Primarily used in sewage lines in a commercial setting. Galvanized pipes endure temperatures and pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, they are resistant to fire and can keep the noise levels to a minimum to a tolerable extent.

Plumbers tools and plumbing materials including copper pipe, elbow joint, wrench and spanner on top of architects house plans. MidCity Plumbers

When choosing the types of pipes for commercial buildings, the durability and the added functionality must be considered. There are many factors to consider when constructing a piping system in a commercial establishment. The material selected for the pipes is a critical factor in the functionality of the system. Hence, you must consider the following:

Six Factors

1. Soil Characteristics

It is rather important to take note of the soil composition surrounding the pipes because this has significant effects on the durability of the pipes. Soil with excess moisture, dirt, and other abrasive materials will quicken the depreciation of the pipes. Similarly, the chemical compositions of the soil can create reactions when it comes into contact with certain types of pipes.

2. Temperature tolerance

If the building regularly transports high-temperature fluids, it is important to ensure that the piping materials can deal with the high temperature. In this sense, metals, as opposed to PVCs, are the best choice. If the fluid is too hot or too cold, then commercial plumbing materials should be intended for a particular use. Otherwise, the pipes will be at risk of being damaged. Since it is due to the temperature and, therefore, affects the fluids running inside.

3. Pressure tolerance

When the pressure of the liquid transported is very high, the plumbing system must be rather strong, have a greater thickness, and can withstand the high pressure brought by the fluids. Usually, piping facilities should be able to handle 150 pounds psi. However, if the industry commercially transports liquid with very high-pressure levels, you should specifically design the pipes for that purpose. Liquids and gases such as chlorine, helium, propane, acetylene, nitrogen, and concentrated oxygen can cause varying pressures within the fluid channels. Therefore, if the pipe material used cannot handle the pressure brought by the fluids, as mentioned earlier, it may lead to fire, leakage, flooding, and even damage to the property.

heating system with many steel pipes with pressure gauges to measure psi. MidCity Plumbers

4. Likelihood of corrosion

Corrosion is also a significant factor when it comes to choosing the right pipes. Cooling and heating systems generally include corrosion inhibitors such as nitrites and biocides. Moreover, you can equip some piping solutions with molybdates for cold water systems. However, you can also use them for hot water systems. Both Stainless steel and galvanized steel can resist corrosion and therefore fit for the option in transporting the fittest option for transporting highly corrosive liquids.

5. UV exposure

In certain cases, you can install pipes outdoors throughout the year, leading to their exposure to sunlight. And while thermoplastics can endure the plight of the natural elements, they may not be suitable for UV exposure. Furthermore, using thermoplastic when you expose it to direct sunlight can lead to its chemical composition breaking down, leading to the degradation of the pipe. PVC pipes are recommended in commercial buildings because they are highly suitable with constant UV exposure.

6. Required Flexibility

Without the correct flexibility level, pipes can give way to cracks and even become disjointed. If there is even the smallest gap in the pipe, it may disrupt the flow of the fluid and allow foreign materials to enter into the pipes. PVC pipes are incredibly flexible and versatile in commercial usage and offer an advantage in the piping network. They are likewise corrosion resistant.

PVC pipes stacked on top of each other. MidCity Plumbers

Contact us!

If you plan to choose the right type of pipes for your commercial building, MidCity Plumbers can help! Our plumbing experts offer a wide variety of plumbing and piping services to all customers in Burnaby and the surrounding areas. We cover all your plumbing needs, from leaks, clogs to water heaters. Our reliable team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved. If you also need emergency services for your sink drain blockage, give us a call on 📞 (778)-772-8676 today for an estimate.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Can You Pour Grease or Cooking Oil Down the Drain?

Most busy kitchens deal with meal preparations on a daily basis. When you are stir-frying, searing, or grilling food and using cooking oils, proper cooking cleanup is understandably the last thing in your mind. Thus, grease and oil stains are inevitable. Unfortunately, others would pour used oil and grease down the drain for instant “cleaning”. While this is a norm for some, this poses huge risks, especially to your plumbing. In this blog, we have rounded up everything you need to know about grease and cooking oil and why you should not pour them down the drain

What happens when you pour grease or oil down the drain

When getting rid of your used cooking oil, it is important to remember that oil and grease do not act like other liquids that you wash down the drain. When oils have time to cool and accumulate over time, they can solidify. The solidified form can easily mix with the fats and greases from other food particles that you have been cooking. 

Dirty oily pan with cold solid grease saturated fat after frying.

Once cooled grease will solidify and build up in pipes causing clogs.

When you pour grease or oil down the drain, they will wash into your pipes and mix with other ingredients, floating around and accumulating into solid masses of fats that can cling to the walls of the pipes. This will narrow the pipes’ diameter and will result in clogging issues. Keep in mind that the longer your oil clogs build up, the harder they are to remove by professionals. 

What to do if you pour oil down the drain

The ideal remedy is usually by using natural and often noncorrosive methods to clear oil clogs. For example, you can use baking soda and white vinegar to remove oil clogs. Keep in mind that once you pour down grease or oil down the drain, don’t give them the chance to solidify and cling onto your pipes. 

As much as possible, eliminate the clogs by using salt and baking soda to dissolve the grease clog. Let the mixture sit for at least eight hours and then flush with water for easy cleaning. More will be discussed below

What is the environmentally safe way to dispose of grease/oil

Great news! There is an environmentally safe way to dispose of grease/oil that you can follow. To avoid plumbing issues, blocked pipes, and other sewage buildups that can lead to environmental damage, it is essential that you handle your cooking oil disposal in an effective and environmentally-friendly manner. 

Instead of pouring grease and used cooking oil down the drain after you finish cooking, let your used cooking oil cool and pour it into a resealable container such as a coffee can or a jar for safe recycling. There are local organizations or facilities that accept oil deposits or used oil for biofuel. If you can find one, save your used cooking oil and deliver it to them. Additionally, you can also try reusing your cooking oil while it is still good. 

Man placing recycled used cooking oil from a frying pan into a plastic bottle in their kitchen. MidCity Plumbers.

If you cannot find any facilities or means to recycle your used cooking oil, let it solidify and toss it into the trash. In small amounts, disposing of the oil in the garbage is more ideal than the drain. Always make sure to wipe out your pans after using them with a paper towel to soak up all the excess oil. Take note that even small amounts of grease can damage your pipes and the sewer system of your local community. So, be smart and handle your used cooking oil disposal responsibly. 

What are some tips for getting rid of cooking oil

It’s true that you can save your cooking oil to reuse later. If it’s gone bad there are some easy, safe ways to get rid of it. Here are some tips that you can follow in getting rid of your used cooking oil: 

  1. Pour into grease disposal containers 
  2. Chill until solidified for easy garbage disposal
  3. Pour small amounts of oil into the trash 
  4. Mix the oil with other absorbent materials such as cat litter or sawdust
  5. Buy a grease disposal system 

How can I unclog a sink clogged with grease

Keep in mind that the method you use to clear your clogged drains will vary depending on the complexity of the blockage. It is still highly advisable to hire a professional team of plumbing experts when dealing with clogged drains. But while you are waiting for them to arrive, we have also listed the following steps for easy and free unclogging of your sink.

Person with yellow gloves using baking soda to unclog sink drain. MidCity Plumbers.

Here is a brief list that will guide you through unclogging a sink clogged with grease: 

  1. Pour boiling water down the drain to soften the grease buildup. You can also combine a pound of soap detergent along with the water. 
  2. Try baking soda and vinegar when the clogs persist. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, then add ½ cup white vinegar you have at home. Don’t forget to let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes before adding boiling water. 
  3. If you suspect that the clogs are still there, you can also use salt and baking soda to dissolve these clogs. Pour ½ cup of salt and ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by about six cups of boiling hot water.

If kitchen drain clogged issues are hard to resolve, it’s time to leave them to the experts. If you are looking for a professional team that offers quality plumbing and drain service cleaning, MidCity Plumbers is the way to go! Our efficient service includes plumbing and drainage services completely right from the inspection through the final stage. Our team of professional and certified experts has the necessary skills and expertise to unclog even stubborn drains. Just contact us today at 📞 (778) 772-8676 and our team will be right on the way in the least amount of time! 

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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

4 Essential Tools You Need to Tackle Any Clog

Are you experiencing clogged drains lately? Do you struggle with the lack of tools at home? You’ve come to the right place

Since drain clogs are a common plumbing problem, dealing with them can become expensive if you call a plumber to clear every stoppage. Fortunately, drain plungers are inexpensive and easy to use and are highly effective and clear many drain clogs. We have rounded up four of them with so many tools out there to help you with your clogging problems

Should you use a tool or chemical cleaner?

Contrary to popular opinion, chemical cleaners may cause more harm than good. If you can, always opt for drain tools rather than chemical cleaners. Most chemical products that you use for de-clogging drains contain acidic properties which can corrode your pipes in the process. When pipes corrode, flecks of the piping material will begin to scrape away from the inner walls down the pipes. These specks may result in a clog.

Rusty and corroded water pipes causing clogs. MidCity Plumbers

In addition, corroded pipes also leak far more quickly because the pipe walls aren’t thick enough to pass high levels of water pressure. If you find rusty pipes, chances are you are using chemical cleaners without any idea of the consequence. So, you’ll be spending more on pipe replacement which is far more expensive than any de-clogging. For a much practical de-clogging, you can resort to any of these classic and essential tools to beat clogs

Toilet plunger

A toilet plunger has a cup-like plunger you use for the sink drain, but it has a signature soft rubber flap that looks like a cup. The fold-out flap fits the toilet drain opening for any suction to clear any clog down the toilet. With the versatility of the flap folded inside the cup, this plunger is also an essential tool for de-clogging sink or tub drain. A toilet plunger is perhaps the most common all-around residential use because the fold-out flap provides an easy fit into almost any drain opening. 

Plumber with a toilet plunger unclogging a toilet. MidCity Plumbers.

Sink plunger 

Another common tool, the sink plunger, has a straight handle (usually wooden) with a simple rubber cup at the end. You can use sink plungers on flat surfaces where the cup creates the vacuum necessary to dislodge any clog or debris.

Person in protective orange gloves unblocking a clogged sink with a sink plunger. MidCity Plumbers.

Drain plunger

A standard drain plunger is a plumbing hand tool that dislodges drain clogs and debris by using a hydraulic pressure created when you seal the rubber cup against an opening of the drain. This cup-style plunger will work on all drainage systems, including shower drains. 

Plumber unclogging toilet with professional drain plunger. MidCity Plumbers.

Hair snake

A plumber’s snake or drain snake is slender, much like a flexible auger you use to eliminate clogs. You can reserve a plumber’s snake for stubborn clogs that you cannot loosen with any plunger tool. 

Person trying to unclog the drain of a sink using snake drain or auger tool which helps pull hair and soap debris from the sinkhole. MidCity Plumbers

If you are still unsure how to get rid of clogs, consult a professional plumbing expert to help you out. This way, you can avoid unnecessary damage costs. 

How to prevent clogs from happening? 

No one wants to experience clogs ever again! So, make sure that your approach is preventive and effective. First, don’t flush your food down the sink. Food debris usually is the reason why sink drains are clogged. It’s a great idea to use a drain screen. The screen placed will block any non-liquid materials from passing through and getting clogged there. Ensure that you observe proper garbage disposal when working on any part of the house with drains or an exposed plumbing system.

Overflowing kitchen sink with food particles causing a clogged drain. MidCity Plumbers

When to call a professional

If the clogged drain issue you have is beyond your control, it’s the most reasonable time to call a professional plumber. Given that MidCity Plumbers only has certified expert plumbers, you can feel reassured when choosing us to handle your clogged drains. When plumbing issues are tough to operate,  we cover all your plumbing needs, from leaks and clogs to water heaters. Our reliable team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved. We cover clogging issues in Burnaby and the surrounding areas. Just give us a call on 📞 (778)-772-8676 today, and we are more than happy to provide you with a complete unclogging service from the assessment stage to the final step.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

6 Signs a Commercial Building Needs Plumbing Upgrades

As every commercial owner knows, compromised plumbing in your business may result in a  loss of income. As such, many business owners see that every system in their building is at its finest. One of the many ways business owners should regularly check for signs of an upgrade in their commercial property’s plumbing. Some of these signs may not be visible, so you need professional help. 

When to replace plumbing 

Here are some signs that your commercial building needs plumbing upgrades: 

Leaks 

Perhaps the most common sign that makes it practical to upgrade your plumbing as much as possible. While early signs of leaks can be regulated and resolved, there are times when leaking can pose greater risks. When you ignore leaking pipes for as long as they wreak havoc on your business, this can lead to income loss and diminish customer numbers.  If customers find poor water quality, stained walls, and invasive black mold, this is a great turn-off, thus losing income returns.  

Plumber checking plumbing in a commercial building under the sink. MidCity Plumbers

Stains 

Stains like brown marks on the walls or ceilings of your commercial building are clear indications of a more grave, underlying problem. If you find stains coming from plumbing damage usually occurs as a result of a leak in your system. If left unattended,  water stains could result in serious structural damages that entail expensive damage repairs. When you experience a problem like water stains, please don’t leave it unattended. It’s advisable to ask your professional commercial plumber for a quotation and upgrade your old plumbing system. It is important in relatively older buildings where people neglect plumbing systems for an extended period. 

Noises

Unusual noises almost always come from damaged plumbing. For example, a clog in your drain is most likely responsible for the gurgling sounds you hear coming from your commercial sink or faucets. An obstruction or sediment buildup can keep water from passing through the drainpipe or the whole plumbing system, for that matter. The air escaping from the water that is struggling to pass through is the main reason for the gurgling sound or weird noises to continue. A professional commercial plumber can vent your drain to prevent air bubbles and eventually stop the odd noises. So, if you hear unusual noises, better schedule an appointment with the professional plumbers near your area. 

Corrosion 

Corrosion is the result of pipes slowly compromised by rust. Also, brown or dark water passing through the pipes may result from corrosion in your pipes. If left untreated for an extended period, mineral deposits can clog pipes, which late on builds pressure. With continual stress, the pipes eventually burst, resulting in far significant damage with higher costly repairs. When you suspect early signs of rust or corrosion, your pipes need immediate attention from professional plumbers. Better yet, upgrade these pipes to prevent sudden damage while you run your business. 

Rusty pipes in commercial building needing new plumbing, MidCity Plumbers

Color

In any commercial plumbing system, discolored water is usually a cause for concern. Water that is murky or discolored is a concern for most commercial owners. If you want to keep your business running, make sure the water that passes through your plumbing system is not discolored. So, once you see a change in color, assess your plumbing system and make an appointment with the local commercial plumber. The discolored water can be a symptom of pipe corrosion or decay. Therefore, if you discover this problem in your building, you may need to upgrade your commercial plumbing system.

Damage

When you damage your pipes due to aging or other issues, upgrade them as fast as possible. Water damage manifests itself in different ways, including the entrance of water into your commercial property. A supply system failure, for example, can be one of the most catastrophic water problems running through your plumbing system because water has a chance to escape the pipes at high pressure. 

What to keep in mind for plumbing in commercial buildings

Here are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to commercial plumbing

Frequency of use 

To what purpose is your building intended? Frequency of use may lead to high risks of damage. Public or large companies have a higher frequency of use when it comes to plumbing systems. It means that large companies have more complex plumbing systems that need to be maintained almost religiously. So, when making upgrades, always see to it that you work with professional plumbers to help you out. 

Water needs

Interior of public washroom and sinks and mirrors. MidCity Plumbers

Your commercial building must have plumbing systems that are up to the standards. These water needs may be: 

  1. Since you supply water for human consumption, it should be safe at all times. 
  2. Every building should have an internal drinking-water piped system to cater to the customers.
  3. You should conserve water by preventing leakage and wastage.

Remember that commercial plumbing systems and fixtures should be planned out, maintained, and used to minimize leakage and wastage as much as possible. Quickly repairing leaking faucets is a critical practice, but there are times when upgrading your plumbing is a much better choice. If you want to have the best for your customers, make sure your experts handle your plumbing. 

When you want to upgrade your plumbing system today, give us a call on 📞 (778)-772-8676 today, and we are more than happy to help you out!

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Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Stubborn Clogs: How to Use a Plumbing Snake or Snake Drain

Most Canadian homes are confronted with one thing: stubborn clogs. We all know stubborn clogs can lead to many issues, some more severe than you would have expected. While there are many ways to deal with stubborn clogs, it’s important to understand which solution corresponds to a certain type of issue. It is where a plumbing snake or snake drain comes in

It’s essential to call a plumber when the issue at hand seems bigger than you think. But, you can snag most clogged debris just by using a plumbing snake. This article has rounded up all the things you need to know about plumbing snake or snake drain to get rid of stubborn clogs. 

Which tool do you typically use to clear a clogged pipe?

When cleaning a clogged pipe, a snake drain is a classic tool that plumbers and homeowners use. A snake drain is a metal cable that removes clogs in drains or pipes. You typically use this tool because it’s easy and accessible in the market. Plus, many generations of residential plumbing are familiar with this tool. 

Plumber using drain snake to unclog kitchen sink. MidCity Plumbers

What is a plumbing snake?

A plumbing snake is a flexible drain auger that you use to dislodge any debris that clogs the drains or pipes. Its appearance looks similar to a hose but has a different intended purpose. As you use a plumbing snake to get rid of clogs, it uncoils down the drain of your sink or tub. It eventually reaches the obstruction or debris that is blocking your drain and causing issues. You use plumbing snakes when you are dealing with bigger debris for a plunger to solve. Plumbing snakes are more effective than plungers, but they are more challenging to use. Each plumbing snake type has its intended use. A toilet plumbing snake is used for toilets mainly. If you are unsure, consult with a reliable plumber to help you out. 

How does a plumbing snake work

A plumbing snake works by turning the device counterclockwise until the corkscrew-like coil can dislodge whatever debris clogs your drains or pipes. Using the crank to turn the auger – from side to side or in smaller circular motions- make up a technique that works to dislodge whatever is blocking the system. Finally, once the clog is loose, it can be moved easily and may be pulled up with the auger or pushed down the drain if necessary. Either way, once the debris is gone and you can see the progress, the pipes need to be flushed out with water. After that, your job is done.

How do you use a plumbing snake? 

Here is a brief list of how to use a plumbing snake efficiently: 

  1. First, wear safety glasses and gloves. When you pull out the drain snake, there might be splashbacks that can harm you. Plus, a plumbing snake is a bit slippery when handled without safety gloves. 
  2. Remove the P-trap to start. When dealing with sink drains, make sure to remove the P-trap just under the sink cabinet. This trap holds standing water that is necessary to seal the drain against sewer gasses. 
  3. Next, try to access the drain. Accessing the drain varies depending on the type. Make sure that you have a manual for it.
  4. Extend the cable of the drain snake 
  5. Rotate the drain snake gently. Make sure that you tighten the thumbscrew
  6. Slowly retract the cable and pull it back toward you 
  7. Clear the debris by twisting the debris in a counterclockwise direction. It helps you remove it easily. 
  8. Once done, you can reassemble the drainage pipe and test run the water flow.
  9. Finish off by washing the drain snake. After washing the cable, let it dry to avoid rust accumulation on the cable. 

Plumber repairing drain with plumbing snake that twists through pipes to unclog residential sink. MidCity Plumbers

How to prevent drain clogs

Prevention is indeed better than cure. If you don’t want to compromise your comfort for the daily consumption of water, make sure to observe the best practices to avoid clogs in the future. You can prevent clogs by keeping food or coffee grounds away from the kitchen drains as much as possible. Also, frequently clean your bathroom and throw away hair and soap scum as they may result in debris. Ensure that you don’t get clogs by watching what you flush or drain. 

When do you call a professional in plumbing? Call a plumber with reliable plumbing and drainage services when your plumbing snake cannot cut through obstructions or stubborn debris. They have the knowledge and the necessary tools to assess and repair any issues with your drainage systems. It is helpful, especially if a simple plumbing snake can’t solve the problem at hand. 

Are you looking for plumbing experts in Burnaby? Do you have problems with buildup or a typical clogged drain? Our team at MidCity Plumbers can help! Our plumbing experts offer a wide variety of plumbing services to all customers in Burnaby and the surrounding areas. Without a doubt, when stubborn clogs occur and are tough to handle by yourself, we will do the job for you. We cover all your plumbing needs, from leaks, clogs to water heaters. Our team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved. If you also need emergency services for your sink drain blockage, give us a call on 📞 (778)-772-8676 today. We have the right solutions for you.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

Winter is coming, and it is coming in hard! While it can be exciting to welcome winter again, it also poses problems that you should be prepared to handle. Whether it’s snow blocking your driveway or frozen pipes, you should be prepared for winter. Aside from the holiday cheer, make sure that your pipes won’t get frozen. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy winter at all. 

So, if you want to avoid serious risks from frozen pipes, you’re in the right place. We have gathered everything you need to know in preventing frozen pipes this winter. Let’s jump right in! 

How do you protect pipes from freezing? 

Here is a brief list that you can follow in preparing for the coming of winter. 

Insulate pipes

Make sure to insulate pipes by turning up the heat. Pipe insulation is the process of adding a layer of insulation to piping that will keep the water from turning to ice. If the pipe is inside the wall or within the kitchen or bathroom sink cabinets, open the cabinet door to allow the heat to reach the wall. You can also do insulation by adding foam insulation wraps. 

Keep the heat on 

Keep the heat to avoid high water pressure build-up that may lead to frozen pipes. You can do so by checking all other faucets in your home to see if any other pipes show signs of freezing — if one pipe has frozen, likely, others have as well. One of the best ways to prevent ice blockages is to keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and the night. While many homeowners tend to lower their thermostats during the evening to save money on their heating bill, the strategy may ultimately backfire — a burst pipe costs much more than a slightly higher bill.

Close Up Of Hand On Central Heating Thermostat to keep pipes and plumbing warm.

Seal or caulk any cracks

Sealing or caulking any cracks helps in preventing frozen pipes. Spend some time assessing your property and seal or caulk any cracks that can let the winter air through. Be particular in places where pipes run. When there is leaking, and it’s left unattended, this can pose greater risks that will cost you more. 

Let cold water drip from the tap 

Leave the faucet open and let the cold water drip from the tap. The steadily moving water will keep the pipes slightly above the freezing point and prevent them from freezing. Keep in mind that when you’re running water through the faucet, the constant flow of water prevents the pipes from freezing. Although some homeowners don’t subscribe to this idea due to water wastage, this can greatly help slow down the process of freezing your pipes. 

Add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces

Make sure you also add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces. You can do this by installing a heater to keep areas with pipes warm, especially during the winter. For example, you can fit an unheated basement or garage with a permanent baseboard heater to keep temperatures above freezing. However, do not use portable heaters, which should never be left running unattended.

Construction worker insulating brick wall with glass wool to keep in heat

Cover crawl spaces

Another way of preventing frozen pipes is to cover crawl spaces. Your crawl space vents should always be closed and sealed off to prevent outside elements like dust or ice from entering. Keep in mind that if you open crawl spaces, this allows moisture to enter. During winter, your crawl space may be home to mold and mildew if you don’t cover it. Most importantly, covering crawl spaces prevents frozen water lines or snow from solidifying on your piping systems. While this will not eliminate that issue, it can definitely help to slow down the freezing process. 

Keep cabinet doors open 

The simplest way to prevent pipes from freezing is to open cabinet doors to allow the heated air to reach pipes inside the cabinet. This simple yet efficient technique often prevents kitchen pipes from freezing, especially during the coldest nights.

Why do frozen water pipes burst

Pipes burst due to pressure build-up. When the frozen pipe is blocked, this causes the water pressure to accumulates to higher levels than pipes can’t manage. The pressure builds up enough that the pipes burst or break. Contrary to popular belief, the ice does not necessarily lead to the bursting of pipes. It’s actually because of the high pressure that resulted from the ice. 

Frozen water pipe damaged and broken in half from freezing pipe..

When to call a professional plumber 

When your pipes are about to burst or when there’s nothing you can do about it, it’s time to call the professionals. They have the necessary tools and expertise to deal with frozen pipes.

Midcity Plumbers only has certified expert plumbers, so you can feel reassured when choosing us to handle your residential plumbing issues, just like frozen pipes. Undoubtedly, plumbing issues are tough to handle by yourself, especially if you have no idea what you’re doing or do not have the right materials and tools for it.  We cover all your plumbing needs, from leaks, clogs to water heaters. Our reliable team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved.

So, if your pipes are heavily compromised by the winter or if you need winter preparation for your piping,  our team at MidCity Plumbers can help! Our plumbing experts offer a wide variety of plumbing services to all customers in Burnaby and the surrounding areas. Our reliable team will deliver every service with excellence, never leaving an issue unsolved. If you also need emergency services for your frozen pipes, give us a call on 📞 (778)-772-8676 today, and we are more than happy to help you out!

The post 7 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter appeared first on MidCityPlumbers.



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Tuesday, December 7, 2021

5 Reasons Your Sewer Line is Clogging

The sewer lines of most residential areas connect underground. These lines are essential to communities, especially when it comes to preventing floods or overflows. In a closer look, sewer lines are the backbone of every plumbing system in a community. However, daily consumption and lifestyle may lead to factors that can cause clogging of sewer lines. When you suspect that something is wrong with the sewer lines in our area, make sure that you are familiar with the reasons as to why.

Reasons your sewer line is clogging

This blog contains five reasons why your sewer line is clogging and how to change your lifestyle to prevent such clogging. Want to know more? Read on! 

1. Disposing garbage and food in the toilet

It is perhaps the most obvious reason why clogging continues to be a problem in residential areas. Greater risks come from not having proper working disposal. After preparing food or eating a meal, food scraps may tempt you to flush them down the toilet. These scraps can be coffee grounds, eggshells, or fruit skins. Keep in mind that you connect toilets to sewer lines, and the clogging will most likely occur as these scrubs will build up through the sewer line walls.

Person pouring food from a pot in the toilet causing a clogged toilet. MidCity Plumbers

2. Tree roots

Some pipes consist of porous materials such as clay that could favor tree root growth. If there are large trees in your yard, these trees will instinctively seek out a water source for growth. The nearest water source is often your sewer line. With the organic material of your pipes plus the abundance of water,  roots can eventually penetrate the sewer line at its joints and cause blockage and severe damage to the pipes. If you have older homes with out-of-date sewer lines, expect tree roots to exist. So, ensure that the sewer lines are up to date. You should replace the piping systems in your home if necessary.

Tree root clogged sewer pipe. MidCity Plumbers

3. Damaged sewer lines

Damaged sewer lines are the key reason why your sewer lines continue to clog. A crack in the sewer lines can show symptoms that are often familiar. It may be a foul odor, discolored water, or leaking. The causes of the damage to your sewer lines may come from ground shifting during an earthquake or poor ground support and may even be natural wear and tear over some time. In this case, make sure you change the damage to the sewer lines to avoid extreme flooding or severe water loss.

Damaged sewer pipe. MidCity Plumbers

4. Heavy rain

Sewers are always subject to heavy rain. Sewer lines can withstand only so much rain, and without proper precautions, these sewer lines can burst, and water can go everywhere. When this occurs, the excess water often makes its way into residential areas and down the sewer lines. It can cause clogs and other blockages. Keep in mind that heavy rain may bring debris, and such debris can pass through sewer lines resulting in clogs.

Heavy rain flowing from a downspout during a heavy rain can cause sewer line clog. Midcity Plumbers

What happens if you don’t treat a clog in your sewer line

Simply put, when your sewer line is clogged, the water can’t go where it is supposed to be. Instead, it flows back up the pipes and will compromise the plumbing systems of each house in the community. You’ll know that there is something wrong with the sewer lines when you run water in the bathroom sink and you hear bubbles and gurgles. The bubbling is due to air trapped in the plumbing system. Also, if a clogged sewer line is left untreated, you’ll experience more risks, such as foul odor and health problems.

Call a professional plumber for maintenance

If you suspect that something is clogging your sewer lines, immediately contact a professional plumber near you. This way, you get to prevent further damage and higher repair costs. Addressing clogs at an earlier time is more efficient and practical, considering that clogging is a slow process that you can build over time. So, to efficiently get rid of clogs and prevent overflows and flooding in your community, contact the nearest plumber experts near you. 

Our team at MidCity Plumbers deal with these kinds of problems, and we know exactly how to address them. With our certified plumbers, we have the right expertise and tools to unclog sewer lines and prevent clogging in the future. Just contact us today on 📞 (778) 772-8676 and we will provide the right solutions to avoid water damage from a clog in your sewer line.

The post 5 Reasons Your Sewer Line is Clogging appeared first on MidCityPlumbers.



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Thursday, December 2, 2021

Plumbing Services - What Do They Provide

You can find a large number of plumbing services in any big city. But you need to find reputed plumbing services in order to get the job done efficiently. A reputed company would be able to handle a wide variety of installation and repair jobs in residential as well as commercial establishments. Here is a list of services that good plumbing agencies would provide.

Reputed plumbing agencies in large cities offer 24 hour, round-the-clock service for clients. Their jobs would cover installation and repairs of incoming water supply pipes and tubing as well as management of plumbing fixtures for drainage. Some companies would concentrate only on areas located within the city while more established agencies would have branches and networks that cover the suburbs as well.

The jobs covered by good plumbing agencies would range from simple and basic tasks like repairs of leaking pipes, faucets, toilets and sewer systems, to more complex jobs like installation of hot water systems and remodeling and renovation of bathrooms and other areas in the building that involve plumbing.

If you are planning to renovate or remodel your bathrooms, you need to hire an experienced plumbing company to handle the job. Since the quality of job would have a large impact on the rest of the building, you need to choose your plumbers with good discernment. A shoddy plumbing job could ruin the rest of the building if the pipes start leaking and water or sewage starts to seep into the building walls and floors. Blocked drains and toilets are a major problem in many households and commercial establishments. Using an experienced agency at the very outset would prevent a lot of these problems from happening later, as time goes by. But in case the original installation was not done by a good agency, it can still be repaired and rectified by employing a reputed plumbing service. 

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