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Stop! Hammer Time! How To Repair Water Hammer

Stop! Hammer Time! How To Repair Water Hammer | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

Have you ever noticed a loud noise or “thunk” when you turn off the tap, or when the water stops in your dishwasher or washing machine?

If this sounds familiar, pay attention because it could be “water hammer”.

This is something to take seriously, as it could be a sign of damage to your plumbing.

And if left without addressing the issue, it may lead to issues which could necessitate major faucet plumbing repairs.

Keep reading to find out what this means, what causes it and what you can do about it.

Stop, Children, What’s That Sound?

Also known as hydraulic shock, water hammer is the surge of pressure cause when a fluid in motion is suddenly forced to stop, such as when you turn off the tap.

The sound which results is often described as a loud banging or hammering noise, caused by rushing water suddenly stopping and slamming into the closed valve.

The impact from this can result in broken pipes, loose fittings, and damage to appliances

Shock waves can also cause your pipes to physically move, and if they are not properly secured they could hit against the walls, causing even more noise and damage.

| London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

What’s Going On?

Now that you know what the cause of these noises is, what can you do about it?

Most likely your pipes will have air chambers, which is a short pipe behind the valve (some older homes may not have this, unless the plumbing has been updated).

These air chambers fill with air, which absorbs the shock which can occur when the water flow stops suddenly.

If water bubbles up into the air chamber over time, it can negate the shock absorbing properties they offer.

There is an easy fix for this – shut off the main water valve to your home and open the faucets at the highest and lowest points, allowing the water to drain.

Once the system drains the air chambers will automatically fill with air.

After you have done this, re-check the noisy faucet or appliance to determine if there are still issues.

If the plumbing in your home is old and you don’t have air chambers, you may want to consider having them installed.

Another option would be to have water hammer arrestors put in place – these won’t fill up with water, however they will eventually need to be replaced.

Under Pressure

So you have checked that your water hammer arrestors or air chambers are in place and working properly.

However you are still experiencing water hammer.

This likely means the water pressure in your home is too high.

You can purchase a water pressure gauge at your local hardware store in order to test this.

Screw the gauge to your hose bib, and then fully open the faucet (be sure the faucets for any other fixtures are closed when you are doing this).

The ideal water pressure range is 50 to 80 psi – if water pressure is too high then you should take action.

Report water pressure issues to your utility provider – they may send someone to fix the problem at your water metre.

Another option would be to have a plumber install a water pressure regulator.

Contact London Plumbing

Are you worried about water hammer?

Has the pressure from this issue caused you to need repairs done on your home?

Do you want to have a water pressure regulator installed so you can keep an eye on things before they become an issue?

For these and any other plumbing issues, give London Plumbing a call today.

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Planning On Digging In The Spring? Find Your Sewer Lines First

Planning On Digging In The Spring? Find Your Sewer Lines First | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

Are you thinking of embarking on a home renovation this spring?

Or redoing your driveway? Perhaps making major changes to the landscape on your property?

An important part of planning these types of changes is ensuring your digging will not interfere with sewer line plumbing.

Keep reading to find out why you need to do this, how to determine where they are, and what else you should be looking for.

Why Check For Sewer Lines?

Locating sewer lines before beginning a renovation, or any other project which involves digging on your property, can help to prevent headaches further down the line.

Knowing the location and depth of sewer lines means you can plan where, and how deep to dig, in order to avoid damaging them.

Additionally if you happen to locate and sewer lines which have been damaged, or contain significant blockages it offers the opportunity to fix these issues before beginning your renovations, which can help save time and money later on.

finding your sewer lines before you dig | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

What Else Should You Check For?

In addition to checking for sewer lines, there are some other areas that should be looked at before beginning a new project which involves digging on your property.

The other main thing to check for are utility lines.

Damaging the utility lines could cut off power and natural gas not just to your home, but to your whole neighbourhood, resulting in fines, and frankly you quickly becoming unpopular with the neighbours.

Different types of utilities to look for include electricity lines, natural gas, communications cables, and water lines.

Once you know where to dig, be sure to do so safely.

You may receive instructions such as to only dig by hand in certain areas, or only to a certain depth.

If there are markings on the ground to indicate the location of pipes or wires be sure not to damage or obscure them, so you don’t lose track of the areas to be mindful of.

How To Find Out?

So you know you need to check your sewer lines, but how exactly do you go about doing so?

Ontario One Call can help.

They assist homeowners in located pipes and utility lines before a dig, by notifying the owners of the infrastructure of the area of the request to dig.

Those infrastructure owners than contact the person who requested to dig with any information that they need to know before they begin.

Before calling, be sure to have complete information about the area where you want to dig, as your request can be denied if information is insufficient or confusing.

Also, it’s the law in Ontario (under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario) for homeowners and contractors to determine the location of buried natural gas pipes before breaking ground, so you may as well find your sewer pipes at the same time.

This service is free, and available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, so there is no excuse not to use them (but call after 7pm in the evening for a lower wait time) – however note that it can take at least five days to receive a response.

Contact London Plumbing

Do you have pipes that need to be repaired before you begin a big project?

Is your water line backed up?

Whether your pipelines have been damaged with wear and tear over time, or you have had a mishap while planning a large project, London Plumbing can help.

Contact us today to get things flowing again.

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Top 5 Reasons Your Water Bill Is High

Top 5 Reasons Your Water Bill Is High | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

Have you ever gotten a shock looking at your water bill?

Especially if your water usage is fairly consistent, an unexpectedly high bill can come as a bit of a surprise.

Maybe your teenager has suddenly decided they need to shower every day, or they’re taking extra time to wash her hair.

Perhaps the cat figured out how to flush the toilet?

If these aren’t the culprits it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere in your home.

If your water bill is higher than average, and you can’t pinpoint a specific spike in your water usage, there might be some plumbing repairs you will need to look at completing, otherwise you may continue to have sticker-shock when you view your bills.

Let’s take a look at how to check for leaks, and some of the common reasons your bill might be higher than you’re used to.

How To Test For Leaks

The first thing to do in this situation is to check for any leaks – and there is a quick way to see if these might be present.

Start be making sure all of your faucets are turned off, otherwise it will be hard to know if there is a leak or if someone is washing their hands.

Next, shut off the main valve, and wait a few minutes.

After about five minutes, turn the main valve back on – if the water dial moves this generally indicates you may have a leak.

Once you have determined there is a leak, you will need to find the source.

Keep reading for some key places to check.

1. Dripping Faucets

Faucets are easy to check – simply turn them off and watch for drips.

Also, keep in mind there is no need to turn the faucet super tightly, as this can cause more damage.

Just turn it enough to stop the water flow.

2. Dripping Taps Outside

When checking your taps, don’t forget the ones which are outside.

If you leave your garden hose connected to the tap, it can be especially hard to tell if there is a leak immediately.

Remove the hose to check outdoor taps for leaks.

leaking faucets are one reason for high water bills | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

3. Hot Water Tank Leaking

If your hot water tank has a relief valve with a pipe attached, check the pipe for drips (but also be sure it’s not just condensation on the pipe).

A dripping pipe will need to be replaced.

4. Leaking Flappers In Your Toilet

There is an easy way to tell if the flappers in your toilet are leaking.

Add a couple of drops of food colouring to the toilet tank and let it sit for about 20 minutes.

Check back after a period of time, and if the food colouring has leaked into the bowl, you have a leak.

5. Leaking Trap Seal Primers

Check your floor drains for a small tube which goes into the side of the pipe.

While the tap is running, water will flow into this p-trap which is part of the floor drain, however once the faucet is turned off the flow of water should stop.

If it doesn’t you may have a leak.

These connectors are generally hooked up to L-tub faucets or the trap seal primers.

Contact London Plumbing

Are you having trouble pinpointing the cause of your leak?

Or have you found one, but need assistance to stop it?

For these and any other plumbing needs you may have, London Plumbing can help.

Contact us today, and let us help solve all your plumbing issues.

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5 Signs Your Kitchen Needs To Be Redone

5 Signs your kitchen needs to be redone a beautiful kitchen | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

Proper maintenance of your kitchen is vital, since kitchen plumbing problems can be crippling and prevent your home from running properly.

However, maintenance cannot prevent every issue, and problems can still occur when components unexpectedly fail.

As kitchens get older and need more repairs, the cost of the repairs can be higher than the cost of replacing kitchen components.

When this happens, it may be time to redo your kitchen.

If you’re considering a home kitchen plumbing renovation, you may want to consider a plumber such as London Plumbing to ensure you encounter no issues during installation.

But how do you know when it’s time to redo your kitchen?

If you’re experiencing any of the issues below, it may be time to consider renovating your kitchen.

1. Your Faucet Is Leaking

A leaky faucet can increase your water bill by wasting water. It only gets worse with time, so it needs to be dealt with quickly.

Leaky faucets are often caused by faulty o-rings or washers, but they may also be caused by mineral deposits and corrosion on internal components.

If you’re handy, you can try replacing these parts on your own, but you might just need to replace the whole faucet.

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call a plumber.

2. Your Hot Water Isn’t So Hot

Hot water is essential for cleanliness and comfort. Cold showers are uncomfortable, and cold dishwashing isn’t as sanitary.

If you’re lacking hot water, there are a few simple fixes you can check first.

First, make sure the shutoff valve under your sink is in the correct orientation; turn it counter-clockwise as far as it can go.

Next, check your hot water heater.If it’s too small, it may not be meeting the needs of your house.

If your hot water heater is gas, the pilot light may be out, and if it’s electric, it may be a problem with the heating element.

If, after checking those items, you’re still lacking hot water, give us a call and we’ll figure it out for you.

We’ll check for mineral deposits, obstructions in your supply line, a number of other possible issues.

A beautiful kitchen and plumbing renovation | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

3. Your Drains Are Draining Too Slowly

Although there are a number of reasons why your sink may be draining too slowly, a clog is a likely culprit.

Determining whether the slow drainage is local to one sink or occurs across the home will help narrow down whether the drainage issue is due to a clog or a house-wide problem.

If you suspect it’s local to one sink, you can try using a liquid drain cleaner or a plunger to clear the blockage.

If that doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to give us a call.

4. Your Decor Is 20 Years Out Of Style

You shouldn’t expect your plumbing contractor to have a good eye for interior decor.

We know what we’re good at, and we stick with it; for the other stuff, we hire the pros.

Here at London Plumbing, we work with interior decorators in London with the experience and eye for style that we just don’t have, like MatiDesign, an interior decorator and home stager with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Check out her website to find out more.

5. Your Appliances Are Dying

A problem with your refrigerator or dishwasher can be catastrophic.

Your refrigerator could start leaking due to an issue with your supply line or your water supply.

An issue with your refrigerator could cause water damage from leakage, or a loss of food from cooling issues.

Dishwashers are a convenience and not essential, but if they leak or fail, it can also cause water damage.

A dishwasher could leak due to damage in the gasket around the door, supply or drainage line issues, or inlet valve issues.

Dishwashers can also experience drainage issues due to clogged drain lines, filters, or pumps.

Contact London Plumbing

If you’re having problems in your kitchen, or if it’s time to give it a facelift, contact London Plumbing today.

We’ll help you find out what the best repairs or upgrades for your individual kitchen are.

We have years of experience in the repair, maintenance, and replacement of all aspects of kitchen plumbing.

When you call London Plumbing, we’ll make sure a small leak in your kitchen doesn’t turn into a major mess.

Call London Plumbing today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Plumbing

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Plumbing | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

 

Bathroom plumbing is something we all take for granted.

It comes in every house or home, but not everyone knows how it works or could fix it if broken.

That’s why it’s so important to have your local London Ontario bathroom plumbing contractor on hand in case something does go wrong.

Here at London Plumbing, we get a lot of questions about bathroom plumbing.

Below you’ll find some of the more common ones, and the answers to them.

If you have more questions, or need help with your bathroom plumbing, give us a call – we’re happy to help.

6 Common Questions About Bathroom Plumbing

To get you started, let’s look at the six most commonly asked questions; chances are you’ll have wondered at least one of these before.

1. How do I unclog a blocked toilet?

Here’s one you can sometimes handle yourself.

Start by grabbing a proper toilet plunger (rather than a shallow sink plunger), and slowly immerse it in the water.

The trick to a plunger is to ensure a tight seal over the drain so that you can force air pressure through the pipes to push out the blockage.

It helps to alternate between very strong downward pumps and a series of gentler, consistent “chugging” pumps.

If that doesn’t work, try a plumbing snake or toilet auger, which you feed through the pipe and use to manually break up the blockage.

Before trying chemicals in the toilet, it might be worth an attempt with dish soap and hot water.

Pour some dish soap in the tank and allow it to settle over several minutes.

Next, pour in the hot water and flush – but keep in mind you may want to have a mop and bucket handy.

If these don’t work, then it’s time to call London Plumbing to fix the problem for you.

Here at London Plumbing, we don’t recommend using harsh chemicals to clean your drains.

Not only are these harmful to the environment, they can actually cause long-term damage to your pipes and lead to a far more expensive repair down the line.

2. Why is my faucet leaking?

Leaky faucets are common, but they can also be an indicator of larger problems.

Start by looking at where the leak is happening, and this should tell you what the problem is.

People often ask us about dripping after the tap has been shut off; and this is usually solved by replacing the seat washer, which can become loose and worn from constant use.

If the leak is coming from under the faucet handle, then it’s most likely an O-ring that needs replacing (a little rubber valve).

Another VERY common place for leaks is around the faucet sprout base.

For this one, you would need to remove the faucet entirely and replace the two O-rings.

If you’re not confident completing this repair by yourself, be sure to reach out to a plumber for expert help.

Your Questions About Bathroom Plumbing | London Plumbing | Residential Plumber Services in London Ontario

3. Why does my basement bathroom smell so bad?

Bathroom basements are the last outlet before your house’s plumbing hits the sewage system.

As a result, if you’re going to run into a problem, this is likely where it’s going to be.

Look for the ‘trap’ attached to your fixtures, and check if the smell is coming from there.

They are designed to prevent odors entering the house via a water seal, but if they aren’t working this is a likely culprit for the smell.

Before you call a plumber about this issue, try pouring a bucket of water in each trap, as well as down each floor, shower or sink drain.

4. Should I upgrade to a low-flow toilet?

Low-flow toilets are also known as High-Efficiency Toilets or Ultra-High-Efficiency Toilets.

If you value savings on your water bill or being environmentally-friendly, then you’ll definitely want to consider a low-flow toilet, as they are designed specifically to save you (and the planet) water.

5. When should I upgrade my shower faucet?

We already covered above about leaky faucets; you may wish to use this as an excuse to replace your outdated or pitted faucets.

Washers, O-rings and gaskets can get worn, loose or lose their integrity.

As well, iron fittings can get rusty, and water itself can corrode fixtures.

If for no other reason, then replace them when you’re ready for a change.

Fixtures can be a comparatively cheap upgrade to your bathroom, making your older bathtub appear sexy and new.

6. How do I go about replacing my bathtub?

In the case where even new bath faucets can’t help you, consider replacing your entire tub.

In this case, you might be best calling us at London Plumbing, where we can ensure the tub is fitted properly and to code.

When you’re buying your new bathtub, make sure you measure the last tub carefully so that the new tub fits the space.

When you remove the old tub, a best practice is to turn off the water to all the fixtures in the bathroom, including the toilet and the sink.

In a worst-case scenario, you may need to remove the other fixtures in order to maneuver the new tub into place.

Our other recommendation is to have extra tiles on hand, as they often break during a bathtub retrofit.

When you go to remove your old tub, start by removing the overflow plate and disconnecting the drain.

Next, disconnect the waste and overview unit; once that is complete, cut the caulk that holds it to the tiling, so you can begin to pry it away from the wall.

Be prepared: it is difficult to remove a bathtub alone, and especially this final process, as you pry it from the caulking.

Once the removal is complete, prepare the space for the new tub by repairing any broken parts.

After you have made sure that all the drainage aligns properly, carefully place the new tub in position.

Make sure you connect the drain line properly to the tub, and be sure to test for leaks.

When the tub has passed this test, secure the new tub to the wall with studs, and caulk on the seams.

The only thing left is to install new faucets and taps, and enjoy luxuriating in your new tub.

Contact London Plumbing

While many of these items can be handled by homeowners, not all have experience with plumbing.

No matter how complicated or simple the problem, London Plumbing is the local option for handling all plumbing matters.

Be sure to contact London Plumbing for any job you want done with peace of mind.

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Top 5 Signs You Need A New Bathroom Faucet

Top 5 Signs You Need A New Bathroom Faucet | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

Admit it, the last time you were at a nice restaurant, you got a little jealous of the taps in their bathrooms.

Bathroom taps are often overlooked when you’re at home, but there’s no time like the present to update yours and get you noticed by your guests.

Keep in mind you may want a consult on the best types of new faucet installs in advance of choosing your stylish new tap, to make sure you don’t run into issues when you’re assembling the plumbing or running it for the first time.

Here are the top 5 signs you need a new bathroom faucet.

1. It’s Getting Rusty Or Grimy

The good news is you’ve probably gotten your money’s worth from your tap, if it’s got to the point where there’s rust and grime.

When your grimy tap starts getting rusty, it can mean it’s in its death throes, especially if it has already progressed to the point of corrosion.

However, rust and corrosion can also lead to leaks – before this happens is the best time to start looking for a new hardware.

If you’re experiencing rusty fittings, hiring a plumber means you can also have any iron fittings replaced, so your new faucets don’t also get affected.

2. It’s Leaking Water Through The Handles

When you turn your taps on and off, you want the water to stop and start through the faucet, not the bottom of the tap handles, but sometimes this happens.

Leaky handles are a sign the rubber gasket is starting to degrade and needs to be replaced.

This happens because of long-term use, but it’s a good reminder that wear-and-tear affects all moving components, including taps.

3. It Won’t Stop Dripping

A lot of households experience this problem; perhaps you’ve even gotten so used to the sound of dripping from your bathroom that you have forgotten you also have this problem.

The biggest problem with dripping faucets is they can noticeably increase your water bill, which is definitely something you want to avoid.

4. It’s Causing Issues With Your Shower

Here’s a good reason to tackle your tap issue, if you enjoy your hot showers without water pressure issues.

Bathtub faucets have a diverter that you engage when you want to have water come from the shower head.

Sometimes the diverter stops engaging properly, causing water to continue to flow from the tub spout, even while it’s coming from the showerhead.

The result is usually a decreased shower flow, which is never helpful when you’ve got a head full of shampoo suds.

We certainly recommend you bring in a plumber to help with this issue; London Plumbing has helped many households in fixing this problem, and because we are local, we can be there for you in a jiffy.

5. It’s Just Old And Ugly

Going back to those sexy restaurant fixtures – you don’t have to spend a fortune to have taps you’ll love to use.

Sometimes all a bathroom needs is a new shower curtain and some shiny new faucets; set yourself a budget and then start keeping an eye out for deals.

It’s easy to capture that vacation or spa feeling in your home by changing out ugly old taps and getting an essential oil diffuser, at a fraction of the cost of a real vacation.

Contact London Plumbing

London Plumbing has years of experience installing and fixing plumbing hardware such as faucets.

Because there can be issues waiting for you behind your tub faucets or under your sink, we do recommend having a plumber install your new hardware.

When you call London Plumbing, we’ll make sure a small upgrade doesn’t turn into a huge bathroom reno down the road because of unnoticed plumbing problems.

Call London Plumbing to consult on what taps work best for your setup, or to have a look at your current tap issues.

We’re happy to discuss any hardware updates you have in mind, and can give you feedback on any other reno plans you might have in the future; let us help you create your at-home oasis.

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Frozen Pipes – How to Avoid Them And What To Do About Them

Different ways to deal with frozen pipes | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

If you’re a first-time homeowner, you might be surprised to discover that frozen pipes are one of the biggest issues you’ll hopefully never deal with.

Even if you’ve been in your home for a while, you sometimes get surprised with this problem, and it can be devastating.

Luckily, your insurance should cover you for the damage, but it won’t replace the cherished belongings that get ruined through water damage.

Let’s have a look at how to recognize the signs so that you can take action immediately, now that the cold weather is almost upon us.

How To Tell If Your Pipes Are Frozen

If your pipes are frozen, there are a few telltale signs.

Some are obvious, while others are a bit subtler.

But if you detect any of the following, it’s a big warning sign that your pipes are frozen and your home may be about to suffer some significant damage.

Call us here at London Plumbing, and we’ll help you sort out the mess.

1. Slow And/Or Inconsistent Water Flow

If you’re noticing substantially less water coming through your faucet, or it seems to ebb and flow, you may have some freezing along one of your pipes.

Try the other faucets in your house and determine which seem to be affected and which seem clear, then try to trace back to discover where in your system the problem could be occurring.

What’s happening here is there is a major blockage stopping the water getting through consistently, though it’s trying.

If you can find the stretch of piping that seems to be the root of the issue, you can work to warm up the pipes in a few different ways, thereby reinstating full water flow.

One of the best ways to warm pipes is to use a space heater in the room(s) that are cold enough to freeze the pipes.

Alternately, you can use a hair dryer directly on the pipe itself.

This can take a while, but it’s very effective.

Please keep in mind to never use an open-flame source of heat, such as a blowtorch, since this can actually damage your pipe and potentially even make it burst.

Different ways to deal with frozen pipes | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

2. Leaky Pipes Or Damp Walls

Leaky pipes suggest that there’s too much pressure somewhere along the line, causing the water to seek the path of least resistance.

Alternately, the pipe is leaking because it has frozen, cracked and thawed.

The leaking section of pipe will need replacing, and you’re best to call a plumber for that.

Damp walls can be a sign that there’s a crack in a pipe behind it due to freezing.

In this case, you may need help accessing and repairing the pipe, and a local service like London Plumbing can come help repair it with the minimum amount of inconvenience.

3. Frost Forming On The Outside Of Your Pipes

Frost forms on the outside of your pipes when the freezing process has started, or is about to start.

If you inspect it, it may appear to be bulging slightly as well, which indicates a certain amount of freezing since water expands when it freezes.

On a side note, this is the same reason why potholes are always worse in the springtime after the first thaw.

Be careful when warming the pipe, and have a bucket ready, because as it thaws you may discover that it already has a hairline crack in it that will need repair.

If that’s the case, you’ll definitely want your plumber there for that job.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes is far easier than dealing with the fallout from a pipe burst!

Before the freezing season, be sure to disconnect any garden hoses, and drain them to reuse next year.

Then turn off the water to those faucets from the inside of the house, if you can, and open the outside faucet to drain out any remaining water.

This prevents any standing or trapped water from causing problems later.

Also, be sure to have a look around your house…notice any rooms that seem to be colder than others, and pay special attention to them.

Water pipes that travel through mudrooms, attics, garages or enclosed spaces can be particularly susceptible.

If you have cold rooms, consider purchasing a small space heater to leave in there during the winter season.

If you are leaving town for more than three or four days, keep in mind to turn off the water at the main source, then drain all your taps in your house!

Contact London Plumbing

Finally, if you DO run into freezing issues that you can’t handle alone, London Plumbing has the experts you need to get you cleaned up and back to rights.

We have many years’ experience assisting homeowners in troubleshooting these issues, as well as the repair process when accidents do occur.

Frozen pipes are no laughing matter, but London Plumbing will be there to help you with a smile

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Plumbing

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Plumbing | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

The kitchen.
For many it’s the heart of the home.

“Kitchen Parties” are all the rage in eastern Canada.

It’s where people come together over food.

And it’s important to keep it running smoothly.

From the dishwasher to the garbage disposal, making sure kitchen plumbing repairs and installations are done right is very important to keep things on-track.

Having issues with your appliances?

Dishwasher not getting the job done as well as it once was?

And why is the garbage disposal always getting clogged?

Keep reading for simple solutions to common problems.

Can I Use a Drain Cleaner In a Sink with a Garbage Disposal?

The short answer is: It depends.

Garbage disposal repair can be costly, and using the wrong substances in it can cause a break down.

Harsh chemicals in many drain cleaners can be damaging to the garbage disposal.

Look for cleaners which are marked safe for drains, and avoid bleach.

How Do I Clean the Dishwasher?

Keeping your dishwasher clean is just as important as keeping your dishes clean, since food and soap scum can accumulate overtime, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a few steps you can take to clean your dishwasher and make sure it’s ready to keep your dishes as clean as possible:

1. Clean the drain, by removing the bottom rack of the dishwasher and clearing out any food or other sediment which may have become stuck.

2. Put a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl filled with vinegar on the top rack of your empty dishwasher and run a cycle, the vinegar will remove stains and odors.

3. Spread baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.

What Should I Do With Oil From The Deep Fryer?

You’ve probably heard about how eating too much oily food will clog your arteries.

Putting oil down the drain has the same effect on household pipes.

Cooking fats and oils can build up on the walls of your pipes over time, and cause clogs and backups.

Here are some options for what to do with it instead:

1. Bottle It

Make sure the oil has cooled down, and transfer it into a suitable container, with a lid.

You can just use an old tin can or glass jar for this.

Storing it in the freezer makes sense too, since the oil will solidify and you won’t have to worry about a jar of liquid oil sloshing around and potentially making a mess.

Once your jar is full, drop it off at an Orange Drop site – find the one closest to you on their website

2. Recycle It

Green Oil Inc is a Toronto-based company that accepts cooking oil donations from people in Southern Ontario to process it into biodiesel and other green energy endeavours.

Find out more about how you can donate them your used cooking oil at their website here.

Questions asked about kitchen plumbing | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

Does the “Economy” Setting on My Appliances Really Save Me Money?

Save the planet!

It’s something everyone is talking about these days, and how we use our appliances is no exception.

Most newer appliances have an “eco-setting” which uses less electricity and less water to run.

But sometimes the eco-setting means the efficiency of the appliance is also reduced.

So if using the eco-setting on your dishwasher means you’ll have to re-wash everything, how much energy and money are you really saving?

This one is a matter of looking at your appliances, and determining which one is right for you.

If the eco-setting works just as well, then great.

But if the eco-setting means you need to spend time re-doing the job of the dishwasher?

Maybe you’re not saving that much after all.

How do you get rid of fruit flies in the drain?

Ah summer.

Hot days, warm nights, visits to the beach, and fruit flies in the kitchen.

If you’ve ever dealt with these pest you know how persistent and annoying they can be.

If the trap under your sink dries out or is cracked, and there is no water seal, this dark, space creates the perfect breeding ground for fruit flies to multiply.

If you’re experiencing this issue, pour hot water down the drain to flush them out, and treat with bleach to kill the eggs.

If the flies persist there may be something wrong with your trap or drain-line.

How do I fix a clogged garbage disposal?

There are a number of ways a garbage disposal can become clogged.

Did you drop a fork in there, not use enough water, or try to pack in too much food?

Whatever it was, it’s important to clean it out properly so you don’t cause any damage to it.

First of all, never use chemical drain cleaners in the garbage disposal.

The can cause corrosion and will damage and plastic or rubber parts.

Using a plunger, push the clog past the disposal, and then flush it out with water.

If there is a jam in the disposal, be sure to cut off all power to the unit before attempting to un-jam it.

Turn off the power, and the breaker switch it’s attached to.

Use a flashlight to look and see if you can see the offending object, and remove it with pliers, not your hands.

To prevent clogs in the future, never put chicken bones, corn on the cob or fruit pits down the disposal.

And always flush it out well with water.

Contact London Plumbing

Do you have a pressing kitchen question you need answered?

Tried to clear out your garbage disposal but not having much luck?

Or maybe a fruit fly problem you can’t quite get rid of on own?

Call us at London Plumbing, and bring in the pros to help with all your kitchen plumbing issues.

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Treat Your Garbage Disposal Right This Holiday Season

Garbage disposal and what to do with it | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

When plumbers get a call during the holiday season, they can usually guess the problem before they even pick up the phone.

It could be a malfunctioning water heater.

It could be a clogged drain or toilet.

There’s even the off chance that a plumber might need to take care of an emergency in the bathroom—clogged sink replacements and repairs that might be needed as the result of an overly-rambunctious family member’s antics.

The most likely problem, though, is the garbage disposal.

Why Your Garbage Disposal Breaks Down

It’s understandable if you think about it.

After a large meal, you wash the dishes and rinse down the sink, pushing gobs of leftover food and cooking dregs into the garbage disposal.

Unfortunately, this leads to most of us being careless with what we put down the disposal.

The result is either a clog in the drain or the garbage disposal motor jamming up.

Garbage disposal and what to do with it | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

Be Careful What Goes Down the Drain

The best thing about garbage disposals is how conveniently they seem to grind up whatever you put in them.

Even a garbage disposal has limits, though, so avoid sending the following items down the drain:

Any non-food item: This should be a no-brainer.

Anything plastic or paper should go in the trash instead of down the drain.

Water-absorbent foods: Things like pasta, rice and bread not only absorb water—they expand the more they absorb.

This may not jam garbage disposals, but they have a high chance of clogging the drain after they’ve passed through the disposal.

Hard leftovers: Anything like meat bones, peach pits or popcorn kernels shouldn’t go into the disposal.

These types of leftovers can be easily overlooked and can wreak havoc on your garbage disposal.

Fibrous foods: Foods like celery contain long fibers that can tangle up the blades in the garbage disposal and be a nightmare to remove.

Potato skins: One or two potato skins probably won’t do much harm to your garbage disposal.

The problem is that potato skins rarely come in ones and twos.

The sheer number of potato skins left over after a holiday meal will jam garbage disposal blades and clog sinks.

Grease, oils and fats: This group seems like a safe bet to toss down the garbage disposal.

They’re either soft or liquid, so what could be the harm?

The problem is that they can solidify and build up inside your pipes, quickly leading to a clog that will probably require a professional plumber to remove.

How to Avoid Clogging Your Disposal

If you want to know how to avoid putting these foods down your drain, the answer is simple—watch what you put in the drain.

If you have any doubts, dump your leftovers in the trash instead.

As for fats, grease and oils, put them in a used soup can or empty plastic container before tossing them in the garbage can.

Do this, and you can save yourself a lot of headaches during the holiday season.

Call London Plumbing

If you’ve got a clogged sink or a jammed garbage disposal, don’t delay.

Contact London Plumbing.

We’ll inspect your sink and get it unblocked again in no time.

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Three Signs You Need Repiping

3 Signs You Need Repiping | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

In the world of plumbers, the term “repiping” means replacing old, faulty lengths of pipe with new lengths.

It can be as simple as replacing one section or as extensive as replacing all the pipes in a home.

While older homes are more likely to require repiping, owners with new residential plumbing installations should make sure their pipes are working right, too.

Fortunately, figuring out if your house requires repiping isn’t hard.

All you have to do is keep an eye out for three signs.

Lead Pipes

Lead pipes can pose a serious health risk.

That’s why they’re not allowed in home construction anymore.

If you have an older home, check your pipes.

Are they dark grey?

Are they soft enough to be scratched with a screwdriver (and is the scratch shiny)?

If the answer to those questions is yes, you have lead pipes.

They should be replaced immediately.

Leaky or Corroded Pipes

Sometimes, a leaky pipe can be repaired by welding or otherwise patching the leak shut.

However, if the same length of pipe keeps getting a leak it’s a sure sign that section is flawed and needs to be replaced.

A pipe will also need to be replaced if it’s corroded or rusted.

Corrosion and rust lead to leaking on most pipes, so if you come across a corroded pipe you’ll need to replace it.

This is not welcome news to most people, but it’s actually a blessing in disguise.

Since corroded or rusting pipes will inevitably leak, you have a chance to replace your pipes—before they become an emergency.

Repiping you home | Residential Plumbing London | London Ontario Plumbing

Rust in the Water

Corrosion doesn’t always have to be on the outside of pipes.

Sometimes pipes can corrode from the inside out.

When that happens, flakes of it may break off.

As a result, you’ll start to see rusty or discolored water coming out of your faucet, letting you know it’s time to do some repiping.

However, if you do have discolored water, there is one crucial question you need to ask.

Does the discolored water only appear when hot water is being used or not?

If it does, the rust is probably within your water heater tank, not your pipes.

This is good news and bad news.

The good news is that you don’t have to have to replace your pipes.

The bad news is that you may have to replace your water heater.

Other Symptoms

You might experience other issues with your plumbing, ones that might lead you to believe you require repiping.

However, repiping isn’t always the right answer.

For instance, if your water bill has been getting steadily higher, that may be the sign of a leak.

It doesn’t mean your building needs repiping, though.

The same caveat goes for other problems, like having low water pressure.

It could be a result of leaky pipes.

It might also be due to a clog in your main water line or some municipal work in the neighborhood.

The only way to be sure is to have a professional inspect your pipes.

Call London Plumbing

If you think your building might need repiping, don’t delay.

Contact London Plumbing.

We’ll inspect your building and let you know whether you need new pipes or if you have another plumbing problem we can solve.