British Columbia is considered the “warmest” province in all of Canada for reasons ranging from its coastal location, to the urban island heat effect it experiences. However, the concept of “warm” is subjectively defined by Canada—a predominantly cold country. Therefore, while Canadians know British Columbia as their “warmest” province, it is still considerably colder than most other locations around the world. Truth be told, winters in the area are cold enough to freeze water, a fact that poses challenges to the populace.
Frozen water in pipes is a serious household problem in British Columbia winters. The ice in the pipe effectively blocks off water flow, drying out boilers and bathroom fixtures, and risking further complications if not resolved immediately. Malfunctioning plumbing and a faulty furnace in Port Coquitlam
could use some help from specialists like Milani Plumbing, Drainage & Heating.
Ice-blocked pipelines aren’t just inconveniences; they pose dangers to homes. As water expands considerably upon freezing, the resultant pressure inside the frozen pipes can compromise the plumbing, cause cracks and leaks. In the worst cases, the pipes could inevitably give way and burst open, spilling water everywhere, which can cause even more freezing, damage flooring, or even encourage mold growth.
Defrosting the pipes could often be safely managed by pouring some hot water on the afflicted area. It’s not advisable to use powerful heating tools such as a blowtorch to melt the ice; as such things could damage the plumbing even more than the ice could. Even after melting the ice away, homeowners might still be faced with a permanently damaged segment of pipe.
Pipes that have been damaged by frost can be repaired by highly competent West Vancouver plumbers
. They can quickly detect and seal any leaks, and identify problem areas that might have frozen water blockage in the future. The capable individuals could also replace pipes which are damaged beyond repair with more durable ones.
Winter might be a time for hockey, sledding, and skiing; but in British Colombia, it’s also the time when home plumbing could be in grave danger. Homeowners throughout Canada are concerned about such natural occurrences every time the temperatures plunge to freezing. Should any damage occur, residents should quickly have the pipeline mended before it gets worse.
By virtue of its coastal location, British Colombia isn’t as frigid as other Canadian provinces. However, the area is beset by severe frost at times, with temperatures plunging low enough to cause uncomfortable shivering and frozen outdoor fixtures, to the great inconvenience of residents. Of all the troubles they can cause, winters can do their worst on a home’s plumbing.
Particularly icy winters can freeze the water right within the home's plumbing. While not all the water within the pipe might actually freeze, the frozen portion could be sufficient to block off water flow completely. Ice forming in a water pipe can lead to even worse problems when the expansion causes the pipe to rupture or burst. For such situations, residents can seek help from a local plumber in New Westminster
such as the capable personnel of Milani Plumbing Drainage & Heating.
Temperatures in British Colombia can reach lows that were previously unheard of. At one time, an area within the province clocked in a glacial -58.9 degrees Celsius—one of the lowest temperatures ever recorded in all of North America
. Even boilers aren’t safe, since Vancouver has had several cases of heating flow being interrupted by ice-blocked pipes. It’s a serious problem that cannot be easily resolved through do-it-yourself (DIY) efforts.
Popularly available insulated pipes that supposedly prevent water from icing over cannot complete guarantee that this plumbing problem will not occur. If the water already starts out as icy, then it’s enough to build ice blockage over time as it passes through the pipes. There’s no real way to prevent freezing cold water from solidifying; but the damage it can cause can be prevented.
The only way to completely deal with frozen piping is to get help from a qualified plumber. The professional will know what to do to remove the blockage, as well as repair any part of the pipeline which might have burst. The plumber might even suggest some tips to prevent future freezes from interrupting proper water flow.
Although many Canadians might regard British Colombia’s weather as mild; arctic outflows can come unpredictably and cause critical freezes. Such weather can affect pipes, causing them to ice up, possibly disrupting the function of your Vancouver heating system
. Frozen pipes have to be delicately handled by plumbers before they burst and cause even more damage.
Vancouver operates a 3-1-1 hotline for residents to gain telephone access to municipal services. Although a hotline, 3-1-1 answers in a citizen service center (CSC) and addresses only non-emergency concerns like water quality.
While any plumber in Coquitlam
like those of Milani also attends to water quality issues, they’re not really the persons to go to when the problem lies with the city’s sewer system. It raises an interesting question: “When should you call a plumber; and when should you call 3-1-1?”
A water supply problem reported to the CSC is usually forwarded to the proper response team from the city’s utilities. Unlike private plumbers, these government workers have access to the main and secondary water lines that run underneath the city.
Dial 3-1-1 if your water is brown or cloudy, or if it has a weird taste or smell. Problems with discolored water can be reported through 3-1-1 if the situation persists after the tap has been running for at least 15 minutes. The discoloration could be the result of mineral sediments that were dislodged from inside the pipe during sudden surges or changes in water pressure. Another possible reason could be air in the pipes.
Experts say cloudy water generally does not pose a health threat. However, it can be a concern if you’re in the middle of washing the dishes or doing the laundry.
Don’t forget to ask your neighbors if they’re also experiencing the same thing. It’s possible that the entire water supply system in the neighborhood has the same problem.
Plumbers in West Vancouver
should be brought in for localized problems, or those that affect a single house. Water pressure problems may be attributed to a few maladjustments such as a partially-closed shutoff valve or a faulty water softener. Frozen water pipes, major shifts in water pressure, and excessively hot or cold water are such situations.
Most problems such as frozen pipes might have DIY solutions, though. Using a blow torch is ill-advised as it may start a fire if you’re not careful; a hair dryer will suffice. In addition, leave the tap open for water to flow through the ice. Do these things until the tap delivers water at normal pressure again.
If you’re still confused, you can consult the Vancouver government online for a complete list of water problems they can address. There’s always the right man for the right job.
A toilet needs to be properly cleaned and maintained to prevent clogs and the proliferation of bacteria. However, for most homeowners, cleaning what is often considered to be man’s greatest disease prevention innovation usually consists of nothing more than a quick swipe around the toilet bowl, ignoring the tank entirely. Mold and minerals accumulating inside your toilet tank can foul the system, or promote bacterial growth that could pose a health hazard to you and your family.
While reputable Richmond plumbers
like Milani Plumbing Drainage & Heating Ltd can always be engaged to inspect and repair a clogged toilet for you, there are some measures you can take to ensure that your toilet tank is always working properly and free of bacterial infestation. Cleaning your toilet tank may not be on top of your chore list, but it’s a good idea to do it once in a while. It’s easy to do; just follow these simple steps.
The first thing to do is remove the tank lid, pour in a cleaning solution, and let it stay for a while. Afterwards, scrub the inner wall with a toilet brush. Be careful not to detach any chains or tubes. If it’s necessary to detach them, make sure you know how to put them back in place. Flush the toilet three to four times to rinse out the cleaning solution completely.
Instead of using commercial chemical cleaners, you might prefer to use ordinary household materials to clean your toilet tank. Vinegar is a great toilet cleaning solution because not only is it chemical-free, it is naturally antibacterial and acidic. The low pH helps remove or dissolve minor mineral deposits like lime and calcium.
If you’re one of those people who don’t feel that something is clean enough unless you can smell sanitary fumes burning your nose, then go ahead and use bleach. It’s a great disinfectant that gets rid of mold and kills bacteria. You’ll need to use it alongside vinegar though, as bleach won’t have any impact on lime and calcium deposits.
A Langley heating
, ventilation, and air-conditioning expert is only a phone call away. If you’re not up to the task of cleaning your toilet tank, you can let a professional handle it for you. In case of a clog, these professionals can be reached 24/7, so always keep their number handy.
Surrey and Coquitlam are both cities in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The main difference between the two is that Coquitlam is a suburb, whereas Surrey is a large metropolitan area. Regardless of which city you live in, proper home maintenance has similar importance and processes. For instance, if your Surrey heating system
breaks down, then you can perform similar ways of troubleshooting for repairs as when you are in Coquitlam. These are a few things you can do to check if your heating system is operating properly.The Thermostat
Your heating system’s thermostat is the device that senses and controls the temperature so that it is kept at a set level. If the system is on but the display is dark, check for a possible faulty or drained battery. Dust the electrical connections within the thermostat, as dirt and dust particles may interfere with its proper operation.Heat Pump
The heat pump basically transfers heat from a heat source to a heat sink against a temperature gradient, a quantity that describes the changes in temperature as a function of distance and altitude. It is composed of an indoor and outdoor unit. Switch on your unit and listen outside for the sound of the motor and compressor (the latter has a more distinct hum than the motor). If one turns on but not the other, your unit may have some electrical problems.Gas Heater
In contrast to the heat pump, gas heaters are powered by fuel. One of the most common problems of this unit is noise. Strange sounds coming from your heater may be due to access panels that have become loose, damaged belts, a dirty burner, etc. If your burners are off and the sound remains, your pilot light might need adjusting.Repair or Replacement
After identifying the problem in your heating system, you can now decide on whether you should call in professional contractors for repairs, or simply buy replacement parts to install yourself. Many contractors like Milani Plumbing, Drainage and Heating can help you out either way.
For more serious heating issues, call a dependable plumber in Coquitlam
or Surrey for maintenance. Don’t take for granted the value of a well-functioning heating system and the consequences of a damaged one. Whether you live in a cozy suburban area or in the fast-paced metropolis, your home needs warmth—literally and figuratively—to withstand the cold seasons.
Canada may be approaching the last stretch of winter, but this doesn't mean the cold weather is over. In the British Columbia city of Port Moody, for instance, the temperatures remain below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, homeowners need to regularly check their furnaces to ensure that they are functioning at their optimum. Having strange noises emanate from your furnace is a sure sign that something is amiss. But what exactly could these noises mean? Here's a look at the possible meanings of those unusual sounds:Groaning
People usually groan when they're in pain; and the same might be said of your furnace. A groaning noise typically means your motor’s main bearing assemblies (the mounts of the motor shaft that allows it to rotate smoothly) have had enough, and are calling out for lubrication, or renewal. Call on Port Moody furnace
repair specialists like the ones from Milani Plumbing, Drainage, and Heating to have these affected parts repaired or replaced as needed.Squealing
A squealing sound from a pig may seem cute, but the same can't be said when it comes from your furnace. This is because this noise usually indicates an air leak, something that's a serious matter that must be looked into immediately. Don’t attempt to pin down the source of the leak by yourself. Leave this job to the professionals.Clicking
Like the squealing noise, this problem may seem nonthreatening at first; but it's likely to turn into something worse if you don't address it. A loud click usually means there's a leak in the gas valve; so when you hear this sound, immediately turn your furnace, as well as your gas line, off to stop more gas from leaking out. Again, don't try to trace the source of the leak on your own; call in the professionals instead.Popping or Rattling
Popping and rattling sounds from your furnace typically mean loose ductwork. You can tighten the loose ductwork by attaching metal braces to affected portions. You can also add flexible insulation to the ducts to eliminate the rattling or popping noises.
Once you hear any of these peculiar sounds, have your furnace checked immediately. A working furnace will help keep you warm for the rest of the winter. To further ensure a warm and comfortable home, consider hiring Surrey plumbing
contractors to inspect and service your water heating system.