Having to call your Saskatoon plumber every time a drain in your home gets clogged can become time-consuming, and frustrating, not to mention very expensive. Your drains may work right now, but clogs can happen at any time. Though plumbing codes, normal plumbing maintenance, and good drain pipe materials can keep the rate of clog formation to a minimum, most people do not have the advantage or the ability to decide what plumbing materials are to be used. No one thinks about plumbing maintenance until there is a clogged drain. Clogged drains can create severe water damage to a home’s structure (such as the wiring) and can be a potential health risk. Problems caused by a clogged drain can be avoided by taking the necessary steps of drain maintenance to prevent clogs from occurring. Remember, prevention is not only easy to do but can save you a lot of money in the long run!

Tip 1: When cleaning up after dinner, run hot water through the drain to prevent grease buildup and hard water deposits. Once every few days, to really prevent buildup in your pipes, first put in a half cup of baking soda, followed by a half cup of vinegar, and then wash it through with boiling hot water.

Tip 2: Check your bathtub stoppers every three months for hair and buildup of biofilm (a mixture of bacteria, food particles, soap residue, and body oils that hardens as layers begin to build up and lead to a clogged drain) and see if the stopper needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. Once a week, fill the bathtub halfway to three-fourths full (while the stopper is in the drain) and then pull out the stopper. The weight and volume of the water will fill the pipe and will flush the drain line.         

Tip 3: Have your home plumbing system regularly inspected for maintenance from the team at JOB Heating and Air. As a preventative measure, at least once a year, hire a plumber to snake your home’s drain lines for any buildups that can lead to a clog. For major connections, such as your septic tank or your main pipe to the sewer system, have periodic inspections. Small roots that penetrate a drain pipe can be cleaned up before it turns into a big problem. If regular inspections are not performed by a plumber, the roots can become entrenched in the drain pipe and will have to be replaced altogether. 

Tip 4: Special clog prevention for kitchen sinks includes: removing all kitchen waste from the sink; not pouring coffee grinds down the sink; not pouring grease down the sink; and catching all food from falling down the sink.

Tip 5: Most plumbers will tell you to avoid using chemical-based cleaners as clog prevention on a regular basis as they can corrode metal pipes after a while. A natural cleaner is an enzyme/bacteria-based cleaner. Once poured down a drain, it creates colonies of good bacteria that destroy bad bacteria that cause clogs in your drains. Use natural-based cleaners at night, just before everyone goes to sleep – large amounts of water used after the cleaner can get rid of the good bacteria before it has had time to work.

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon plumbing company. We show up on time, deliver on budget and we leave the work area cleaner than when we arrived! At JOB we take pride in our plumbing services in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from our clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.

Your water heater consumes more energy than all household appliances combined, accounting for 17% of the energy use in your home. Not sure when to upgrade? Here are signs it is time to upgrade the water heater in your home. 

The Water Heater Is Old

Though water heaters are certainly built to last, they do not last forever. Generally, water heaters last 20-30 years. However, if your water heater is over 15 years old, it is worth looking into purchasing a new one. Water heaters lose efficiency over time, and newer more efficient systems are always entering the market. If you cannot remember when your water heater was purchased, look for a sticker near the top. This manufacturer sticker will have numbers – the first two usually indicate the year. 

It is important to note that a new water heater is well worth the investment. Your water heater is a significant contributor to your energy bill. While old hot water heaters run continuously, newer models use minimal electricity to provide hot water whenever you need it.

Your Water Is Not Hot Enough

As a rule of thumb, hot water should start to flow within a minute of turning on the tap. If this is not the case and you are stepping into a cold shower, the heating element may be worn out. Even in the cold Saskatchewan winters, your water heater should be performing promptly. If it is not, it is time to have a professional take a closer look.

Your Water Heater Is Making Loud Noises

A noise coming from your water heater is indicative that there is an issue with the mechanical system. In older hot water heaters, rumbling sounds are common. This rumbling sound is the result of sediment build up on the tank floor that accrues and hardens over time. When sediment buildup occurs, your water heater is less efficient, damage-prone, and runs the risk of breaking down completely.

You Notice Rust On The Water Heater Or In Your Water

Signs of rust on the water heater or in the water itself are signs to look out for. It is possible for rust to occur even in newer hot water heaters. Be sure to check the water inlet or pressure relief valve on the water heater unit. These are two places where rust is noticeable and indicate that rust is likely present within the tank as well. 

If the water flowing from your taps is rusty, there is an issue with your water heater system. Be sure to call in a professional before a bigger problem arises such as a leak. 

You Notice Leaks 

As water heater units age, leaks are more common. A leaky water heater is a tell-tale sign that it is time to upgrade. Sometimes, loose fittings or issues with the pressure overflow pipe are the cause of leaks. Usually, however, leaks are caused by metal in the tank expanding after years of heating cycles. Whenever a leak is involved, it is more than likely your water heater requires an upgrade. 

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to upgrade the water heater in your home. If you are ready for an upgrade, do not hesitate to contact our team at JOB Heating & Air Conditioning. We will help you explore water heater options and answer all your questions.

JOB Heating & Air Conditioning is a Trusted Saskatoon plumbing company. We show up on time, deliver on budget and we leave the work area cleaner than when we arrived! At JOB we take pride in our plumbing services in this city and surrounding area, so nothing means more to us than testimonials from our clients as their preferred plumber in Saskatoon.

Here are 5 fall plumbing tips to help protect your home this season. 

Tip #1: Disconnect and Store Outdoor Water Hoses

Since outdoor hoses are made from rubber, freezing and thawing weakens the material and causes cracks. Disconnecting hoses in the winter and storing them in an area of your home that does not reach freezing temperatures will ensure the longevity of your hose is maintained. If you leave your outdoor hose connected all winter long, any leftover water can freeze and expand. This causes faucets and any connected pipes inside your home to freeze and potentially burst. 

After disconnecting your outdoor house, it is important to check the faucet for any leaks. Faucet leaks can lead to water damage and cause plumbing issues when temperatures drop and things freeze. Once faucets are checked for leaks, it is a good idea to insulate them for further protection.

Tip #2: Shut Off Outside Faucets 

Tip #3: Inspect Your Hot Water Heater and Ensure Maintenance is Completed

The fall season is the perfect time to drain your hot water heater as it needs to work much harder in the cold months to provide hot water to your household. Maintenance includes flushing your hot water heater to remove sediment build up. The sediment build up is important to remove as it causes rust and can block proper heat transfer. Flushing your hot water heater will ensure it is operating efficiently, saving you money on your hot water bills. 

If your hot water heater is more than 20 years old it may be time to consider a replacement before something goes wrong. You do not want to be stuck without hot water, especially heading into winter.

Tip #4: Insulate Your Pipes

Be sure to insulate any pipes that may be exposed to cold temperatures such as those in your basement and garage. Insulating your pipes properly will prevent them from freezing in the winter. 

It is important to note that it is common for gaps to develop in the areas where pipes enter your home. These gaps between the pipes and the walls allow for cold air to get through. Cold air seepage can lead to pipes freezing and thus increase your heating bill. Luckily these gaps can be sealed using caulking and weather stripping, and taking the time to seal them can prevent larger issues down the road.

Tip #5: Inspect Your Sump Pump

A working sump pump is extremely important to prevent flooding as it removes excess water from the foundation of your property. If your sump pump is left exposed to extreme temperatures it can freeze. Freezing prevents your sump pump from operating correctly and can compromise its ability to protect your home. Be sure to inspect your sump pump this fall to ensure it is working as it should, or have it inspected by a professional if you are unsure.