Emergencies involving the plumbing and heating systems can occur without warning, and the damage they inflict to residential properties can be severe. In the event of an emergency, it is preferable to maintain composure and get in touch with a trained specialist. Let’s take a look at the five plumbing and heating problems that occur most frequently in Vancouver, as well as the ways in which they can be avoided.
1. Burst Water Pipes:
Causes:
When temperatures drop below freezing, broken water pipes are frequently the outcome. It is possible for the water in the pipes to freeze and expand if the pipes are not adequately insulated. Because of the pressure, the pipes may develop cracks or perhaps burst entirely as a result of the damage.
Corrosion is another prevalent factor that can lead to burst pipes in residential settings. Over time, mineral deposits can gather. It is possible that you will not notice this if you do not have your pipes tested. The pipes have a risk of being corroded over time, which might result in holes through which water can leak out.
While You Are Waiting… Some Things to Do:
Pipes that have burst are one of the most typical and critical emergencies that can occur with plumbing. If you notice water collecting or leaking from any of your pipes, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible. If you don’t realize that your pipes have burst, you could end up with expensive and irreparable water damage. You should make an effort to turn off the water supply in your home while you are waiting for the plumber to come. Maintain your composure and look for clean towels that you may use to assist soak up the water if it is.
Future Prevention:
It is not always possible to prevent pipes from bursting; nevertheless, doing routine plumbing and pipe maintenance checks is an effective approach to identify problems at an earlier stage. If your plumber finds any evidence of poorly insulated pipes or pipes that have corroded, they may be able to assist you solve the problem before it becomes a plumbing emergency. Call Modal – The Best Plumbing Company in Burnaby and Vancouver Areas. for more information on how to prevent plumbing and pipe leaks, and keep an eye out for these signs to detect leaks as soon as possible.
2. Leaking Boiler:
Your boiler not only helps to keep your home warm but also guarantees that you never run out of hot water. However, when a boiler exhibits evidence that it is leaking, its use can be detrimental rather than advantageous. Not only is the water in your boiler extremely hot, but it also has the ability to flood your home if something goes wrong.
Causes:
There is a possibility that the boiler was improperly installed if it is brand new and was done so very recently. There is also the possibility that the issue is inside the device itself; frequently, worn out seals can give way over time, which can result in leaks. Boilers are susceptible to corrosion as well. Minerals found in the water supply have the potential to corrode the interior of the boiler. In addition to this, they are subject to rust, which can result in holes and water damage.
While You Are Waiting… Some Things to Do:
While you wait for a professional plumber to arrive, you may help limit the damage caused by water by placing a bucket or some towels beneath the leak. Turn off the water supply to the boiler and move any obstructions that are in the way, if at all possible. Your plumber will figure out what went wrong and may suggest that you replace certain sections of the boiler or even just replace it altogether.
Future Prevention:
Checks on the boilers’ maintenance should be performed regularly in order to assist avoid boiler leaks in the future. If your boiler is getting on in years and you’ve had problems with leaks in the past, you should probably look into replacing the appliance. If it is maintained properly, the typical lifespan of a boiler is approximately ten years.
3. Flooded Basement:
Causes:
There is a wide variety of potential reasons why a basement would flood. It could be the result of a pipe that has burst, a defective drainage system, a sewage backup, structural problems in your property, or a leaking equipment, such as a boiler or a hot water tank.
While You Are Waiting… Some Things to Do:
If you can identify the source of the water loss, you should turn off the water supply. Do not go down into the basement and avoid getting your feet wet. If you are unable to determine where the flood is coming from, there is a good chance that the water is contaminated. For the purposes of obtaining insurance, taking photographs of the flooded areas as well as any indicators of water damage may be a smart idea. Hold tight till the plumber comes to your home. If you are aware that the issue was caused by your hot water tank but are unsure about whether or not you should switch to a tankless option, we would also recommend reading our comprehensive Hot Water Tank Buyer’s Guide. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of both types of hot water tanks.
Prevention for the Future:
Make sure that your home is adequately covered by insurance. It’s possible that a flood was caused by a problem with the plumbing in your home, but flooding can also be the result of natural disasters or improper home building. Purchasing property insurance that compensates for at least some of the losses incurred as a result of flooding is a smart move.
4. Clogged Drains:
Causes:
It’s possible that over time, the drains in your home will become clogged. Clogged drains are typically caused by hair, but other potential causes include food debris and even mineral buildup. Hair is the most prevalent culprit. Mud and soil can accumulate outside and plug the drains around your property, which can then lead to waste and backflow. A clogged drain is a severe issue that needs to be addressed immediately since it may result in flooding.
While You Are Waiting… Some Things to Do:
Turn off the water supply and call a plumber if you notice that the pipes leading to the sink or the toilet are clogged. If the clog is not too severe, you might even be able to fix it on your own. To aid you in completing this task, we have written a page entitled “How to Use a Drain Snake,” which can be found on our website.
Prevention for the Future:
You can purchase a hair filter to install in either your shower or sink if it turns out that hair and other particles were the cause of the clog in the pipes. You can pick one of these up at your neighbourhood hardware shop, and it will prevent hair from going down the toilet. In addition, we have an informative post that walks you through the process of recognizing and removing mineral deposits from your shower and sink. In addition to a speedy procedure that will unclog your shower in a matter of seconds.
If the blockage was caused by an excessive amount of food or debris in the kitchen sink, rather than attempting to garburator the excess food scraps, you should try to utilize a green bin to compost them instead. Also, under no circumstances should any of these things be put down the drain. However, having your drains inspected regularly is the most effective approach to avoid having them become clogged.
5. The failure of the furnace to function:
Causes:
The most typical cause of a furnace’s loss of functionality is simply old age. There is also the possibility that a fuse in your device has blown, that the air filter is clogged, or that there is a fracture in the heat exchange. If it is properly maintained, a furnace can survive for up to 15–20 years on average. However, if your furnace is getting on in years, it is probably a good idea to start considering your alternatives for replacing it.
Problems with the furnace are frequently overlooked. There is no heat in the home, the furnace is making strange sounds, or your gas bill is rising, all of which are signs that the furnace needs to be replaced.
While You Are Waiting… Some Things to Do:
During the winter months, when the furnace is being used often, maintenance issues and emergency situations involving the furnace frequently occur. If your furnace has broken down, it is likely that your home may feel much cooler than usual; therefore, it is best to bundle up and keep warm. You might also check the room housing your furnace to see if there is an emergency on/off switch. This is often red in colour and will cut power to the furnace in the event that it is not operating correctly in an emergency circumstance.
Prevention for the Future:
Keep an eye out for warning signals that your furnace is on the verge of breaking down, and get in touch with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning specialist as soon as possible. It may seem as though your furnace is no longer heating effectively or correctly as it once did or could. Checkups for maintenance should be performed on furnaces on a yearly basis. Consider your choices for replacing your furnace if it is an older model or if you have had a number of issues with it in the past. It may be time to do so if any of these conditions applies to you.
Our Services for Plumbing, Heating, Drainage and More, Emergencies Available Around the Clock in Vancouver and Burnaby:
We at MODAL – The Ultimate Best Plumbing Company in Burnaby and Vancouver Areas, are pleased to provide our customers in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland with emergency repair services around the clock. Our staff members are always available to assist you with any problem that you may be experiencing, whether it be a leaking boiler, clogged drains, or a malfunctioning furnace.
Get in Touch with MODAL Today for Plumbing, Heating, Drainage, and More:
Call MODAL, the best plumbing Company in the Burnaby and Vancouver areas, for plumbing and heating services that are available around the clock. Our hardworking team members will be on their way to your location as soon as possible. Our swift and experienced response staff is ready to assist you whenever you require it the most. Our highly trained specialists service the entirety of Vancouver as well as Burnaby, and they are available around the clock.
