Mississauga Plumber: Avoiding Springtime Plumbing Problems

Prevention is the best way to save time, money and stress caused by plumbing problems. Water damage is a pain to clean up, especially if your house develops mould, and insurance companies are picky about what they cover. Instead of filing a claim once the worst has passed, catch problems early by hiring Mississauga plumbing contractors for repair and installation inspections.

Inspect Leaky Pipes

Leaking pipes can spread mould and mildew through your walls before you even realize they’re there. Unfortunately, mould in one part of the house means mould in every room since the air conditioner will circulate spores. When this happens, residents may develop health issues:

• Respiratory infections

• Rashes

• Runny noses and itchy eyes

You’ll also have to contend with wood rot, which can undermine your home’s internal structures. Additionally, moisture attracts termites — critters that can do a number on support structures and wood furniture.

How can you prevent these issues? The best approach is to address problems as soon as you notice them. If you see water stains, discover puddles of mysterious origin or have unusually high water bills, call a professional to inspect your pipes.

Prevent Drain Clogs

Clogs can cause water to drain slowly or even back up. You may also notice foul odours lingering around the sink or tub as bits of organic matter decompose a little way down the pipe. In the worst-case scenarios, clogs can put pressure on lines, damaging them and causing leaks.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your plumbing clear. For bathtub and shower drains, try a hair catcher. These are cheap to buy, easy to find and simple to clean. If hair finds its way down the drain, you can clean it out with a removal tool or straightened wire clothes hanger.

For the kitchen sink, be careful about what you put down the garbage disposal. The following can cause buildup or damage:

• Potato skins

• Eggshells

• Uncooked pasta and rice

• Oils, fats and grease

If you have a stubborn clog, call a professional plumber rather than tackling the issue yourself. Experts can snake the drain and determine if the clog did any lasting damage.

Keep Up With Toilet Maintenance

Toilet problems can be day-ruiners, as they’re incredibly messy and potentially expose you to dangerous bacteria. Even if the leak is in the tank instead of the sewer line, you’ll still have to fix it immediately or find accommodations until it’s repaired.

Tanks have many moving parts that can wear down or corrode because of their constant exposure to water. It’s a good idea to check the following periodically:

• Flapper

• Lift lever

• Lift chain

• Fill valve

Keep in mind that no matter how diligent you are about maintenance, you’ll need to replace it every 25 years. Even the toughest models eventually crack or suffer damage to the wax seal around the flange. It’s better to get a new toilet installed rather than deal with the fallout of a major leak.

Check Your Gutters

It’s easy to forget about your gutters unless it’s raining, but they’re an invaluable part of your house’s defences. By diverting rain away from the home, gutters keep your foundation secure and your walls free of water damage.

Of course, gutters can sustain damage like any other system. For example, if they get clogged, the weight can cause them to pull away from the eaves, allowing water to spill near your house.

To avoid this issue, hire a professional handyperson to clean your gutters twice yearly. Experts have the proper tools and training to clean gutters safely, allowing you to focus on other things.

When you need skilled plumbers for emergency plumbing repair and maintenance, turn to Handyman Connection. We can handle a variety of projects, including electrical, flooring and even cabinetry. Get your estimate today by giving us a call or contacting us online.