Bathroom Sink Plumbing – 5 Essential Parts

bathroom sink plumbing parts

Every residential plumbing in Toronto has different parts and sections. One of the areas that play an essential role in your home’s systems is the bathroom sink plumbing and its critical components.

But why do you need to have bathroom sink plumbing occasionally? Every home plumbing fixture, for example, bathroom sinks, has several parts that can become blocked, break or leak.

As soon as you feel you need bathroom sink plumbing, contact professional plumbers in Toronto and let them solve the problem.

However, if you want to avoid frequent problems in your bathroom sink plumbing, it is crucial to know the primary parts of the system to choose and buy the most efficient and highest-quality ones.

Primary Parts of Any Bathroom Sink Plumbing System:

  1. Shutoff Valves
  2. Supply Tubes
  3. Drain Tailpiece
  4. P-Trap
  5. Drain Pipes

Now, let’s get into the details about these essential parts of your bathroom sink plumbing system.

1- You Need Good Shutoff Valves for Your Bathroom Sink Plumbing

Shutoff valves are the first essential part of your bathroom sink plumbing. These small valves are usually made from metal or plastic and are located between the water supply pipes and the supply hoses that connect to the tailpieces on the bathroom sink faucet. Most shutoff valves used in bathroom sinks have an oval handle that you can turn to close and open the valve.

One of the best things about shutoff valves in your bathroom sink plumbing is that you can turn off the water supply at the sink without shutting off the water of your whole home.

You can install most of the shutoff valves onto the water pipes without soldering, which benefits most homeowners who want to replace them with a DIY process.

Shutoff Valves in The Bathroom Sink Plumbing are Seen in Pairs:

  • The first valve is used for controlling hot water.
  • The second valve is for controlling the cold water.

2- Use High-Quality Supply Tubes

All of the bathroom sink plumbing systems have supply tubes that need to be high-quality to avoid frequent plumbing issues. High-quality supply tubes are made of:

  • Braided wire mesh
  • White plastic mesh
  • Gray solid plastic
  • Chromed copper

These bathroom plumbing parts are generally connected to the tailpieces and shutoff valves with attached nuts. If you have issues with your supply, it is recommended to hire a professional plumber to fix them.

bathroom sink and drain system

3- The Drain Tailpiece is Also Crucial for Your Bathroom Sink Plumbing

Drain tailpieces, also known as sink tailpieces, are straight sections of pipes that connect to the bathroom sink drain fitting. If your bathroom sink has a pop-up drain, the lever rod connects to a port on the back of this particular bathroom sink plumbing part.

Usually, a high-quality drain tailpiece is attached to the drain fitting with a slip nut, a threaded ring that you can tighten or loosen by hand, or channel-type pliers. A tapered plastic washer under the slip nut creates a watertight seal for your bathroom sink plumbing system.

Note: Remember to use tailpieces in your bathroom sinks that have slip nut joints since if you ever drop anything into the sink drain, you can easily disassemble the joint and retrieve your item.

4- Every Bathroom Sink Plumbing System Has P-Trap

Your bathroom sink plumbing system has a P-Trap which is made up of two primary parts:

  1. U-Bend
  2. Trap Arm

These two parts of your P-Trap are curved sections that allow your sink to connect to your home’s sewer line. The curved trap is used in the system to provide a safety feature for holding standing water and preventing sewer gasses from rising up and out of your bathroom sink drain.

Every time you run water down the bathroom drains, the old wastewater in the bend is flushed out and replaced with new water. You or your plumber need to assemble the P-Trap parts with slip-nut joints.

5- Be Precise When Choosing Drain Pipes

The last part of your bathroom sink plumbing system is the drain pipe. It is connected to your residential plumbing system from one side, and the other side is connected to the trap arm with another slip nut joint. With slip nut joints, replacing or repairing the pipes will be easier.

Most of the drain pipes used in bathroom sinks are three inches in diameter. However, depending on your fixture, you can choose a smaller or larger one.

Best Water-Efficient Faucets for Home Plumbing System – 3 Types You Should Know

water-efficient faucets

Are you looking to upgrade your residential plumbing system to a more environmentally friendly home? Water-efficient faucets for home plumbing systems can help you decrease wasted water amount and save money.

The average Canadian family of four generally uses about 300 gallons of water daily. So, you can install water-efficient faucets and save 20% on your water usage, which equates to about $200 saving annually.

There are various water-saving faucets available that you can choose and buy for your home. So, it could be a challenging task for you to do without any background. This complete guide to water-efficient faucets will help you choose the best product for your home. We also recommend you know the best residential plumbing fixtures before going further to understand better what you will use for your bathrooms and kitchen.

touchless water-efficient faucets

What are Water-Efficient Faucets?

According to regulations and codes, the standard flow rate of a faucet for a home plumbing system is 2.2 GPM. A tap that can deliver a 30% lower flow rate is considered a water-efficient product.

With this said, water-saving faucets for home plumbing systems have a flow rate of 1.5 GPM. If everyone improves their home plumbing with efficient products, it will save billions of gallons of water annually. So, it is better to benefit from professional plumbing services and use efficient fixtures or faucets.

Top Water-Saving Faucets

So now you want to upgrade your home’s faucets to ones that conserve water. There is a list of water-efficient faucets that we have provided for you, and you can use any of these for your home.

Touchless Water-Efficient Faucets

Touchless water-efficient faucets have sensors that you can use to turn the water on and off. These plumbing fixtures allow the user to use only the amount of water needed.

You can turn the water faucet on and off by waving your hand over the sensor. This makes it easier to turn the water off while lathering your hands up to help economize water usage.

Additionally, you will not have to touch the faucet with wet and soapy hands. Additionally, modern water-saving waters with touchless technology allow users to control their water usage for daily use.

Metering Faucets

The metering faucets that are used for commercial plumbing and residential plumbing fixtures allow you to set a predetermined amount of water flow whenever you turn the water on.

These modern water-efficient faucets can reduce the water usage of a building by more than 30% annually per faucet. You adjust and control the water flow rate from 0.5 to 2.2 GPM with metering faucets.

Water-Saving Faucets With Low-Flow Aerators

Low-flow or tap aerator is an essential residential plumbing accessory installed at the mouth of the faucet. The primary function of these plumbing products is to reduce the amount of water flow.

Low-flow water-saving faucets save water while offering standard water pressure and easy installation.

After installing low-flow aerators, you will slow the water rate up to 1.5 GPM. You can pair these products with other water-efficient faucets and make your saving continue to increase.

water-saving faucets

Advantages of Water-Efficient Faucets for Residential Plumbing Systems

As evident from the name, water-efficient bathroom and kitchen faucets are mainly used for reducing water usage each time you turn on and off the sink.

Water-Efficient Faucets are Environmentally Friendly

According to scientific statistics, every industrial city in the world will experience a water shortage in the next ten years. So, when homeowners install water-efficient faucets, they combat the effects of global warming.

Water-Saving Fixtures are Cost-Effective

You can reduce your water bill by using water-saving faucets. Additionally, you can turn a commercial building into an eco-friendly building with these simple plumbing fixtures.

Increase Your Property Value with Water-Efficient Faucets and Fixtures

Any upgrades in your home that will improve its efficiency will increase its value. So, if you decrease the amount of wastewater by installing water-saving faucets, you will add value to your home.

Hire a Residential Plumber to Help You Choose and Install Your Faucets

Although installing and using water-saving faucets is not so complicated, it is better to let the professionals handle the job. Additionally, when you contact professional plumbing contractors, in addition to helping you choose water-efficient faucets and installing them, they will also inspect for other residential plumbing issues and solve them to make your plumbing system run smoothly and efficiently.

14 Most Essential Plumbing Supplies

plumbing supplies

As you probably know, the plumbing systems of commercial and residential facilities are the most crucial part of the building since it works as their heart. So there is a high demand for various plumbing services, and professional plumbers or plumbing contractors should offer assistance with the best quality possible. Plumbers need to have some essential plumbing supplies to provide affordable and high-quality plumbing services. If you want to be a plumber or hire a plumber, it is better to know the vital supplies that will be used in the process.

There are various tools and equipment that can be used for different projects. However, there are essential plumbing supplies that every plumber should use for their projects. It is also necessary to know that this equipment is practical for all types of plumbing services which are:

Wrenches are Essential Plumbing Supplies

When you ask professional plumbers about the essential plumbing supplies, the first tool that comes to their mind is the wrench. There are different wrenches used for plumbing services since every plumbing process requires several twists. The three main types of wrenches are:

  • T-Shaped Basin Wrench
  • Pipe Wrench
  • Adjustable Wrench

Wrenches are the mainstay of essential plumbing supplies, and every plumber should have them on every plumbing service. However, for smaller jobs using pliers can be more efficient.

Faucet Key for Commercial and Residential Plumbing

Faucet keys are small, yet essential plumbing supplies with x-shaped heads, and plumbers use them to open and close spigots and sillcocks.

Hacksaw is Also Essential for Plumbing Services

You can find modern plumbing supplies and tools such as push-fits, but old piping and plumbing systems will always be around. So, it is crucial to have supplies to deal with them. One of these tools is the hacksaw which is used for cutting through all types of materials.

You can cut various materials with a hacksaw, including:

  • Pipes
  • Bolts
  • Nuts
  • Screws

Pipe Cutter

Residential plumbers deal with different plumbing procedures daily, and removing or resizing the plastic pipes is one. So, plumbers utilize plastic pipe cutters to ensure the job is done efficiently and quickly.

Every Plumber Should Have Plumber’s Torch

Since sometimes plumbers need to work in dark places, they need a tool that will give them sight and precision. In most cases, smartphones or simple torches are not helpful. So, there are essential plumbing supplies and tools called plumber’s torch that will allow the plumber to see and work precisely.

No Plumbing Services Can Be Done Without Plumber’s Tape

Since plumbing systems work with water, sealing them is crucial, and every plumber should have sealants in their essential plumbing supplies and tools list. High-quality plumber tapes are sealants that can withstand extreme temperatures, offer form-fitting coverage, and never dry out. So, with long-lasting plumber tapes, you will not go back to the plumbing service place to repair your work after months or weeks.

Press Fitting Systems are Among the Essential Plumbing Supplies

Press fitting systems do one job for plumbers, pressing a connection onto pipes to form a perfect seal. This plumbing tool is quicker than soldering or welding, and it is among the essential plumbing supplies.

Professional Plumbers Have Plungers In Their Essential Plumbing Supplies List

Another essential plumbing tool is the plunger, which you can buy from any hardware store. This heavy-duty tool is essentially used for unclogging pipes and sinks.

Hand Auger for Fixing Plumbing Issues

When stubborn clogs occur in a plumbing system, the plumber will have to use more robust tools such as a hand drill. This handheld tool allows a plumber to force a cable into a drain or sink to break and remove the clogs. Although a hand auger is still a practical plumbing tool, some plumbers currently use a snake machine which is the motorized version and can clear any blockage in the system.

Never Forget Safety Equipment

The first rule for any industrial or residential services is protection and safety. No plumbing tools and supplies list is complete without some safety equipment. Here are some of the safety equipment that any plumber should have during the service.

  • Eye Protection or Goggles
  • Ear Protectors
  • Heavy Duty Gloves
  • Pads for Knees and Elbows
  • Steel Toe Cap Boots
  • Pads and Heat Shields

Screwdriver Sets are Essential Plumbing Supplies

The screwdriver is an underrated but crucial plumbing tool, and it is used for both commercial and residential plumbing services. There are two primary screwdriver types that plumbers use which are:

  • Stubby Screwdriver
  • Flathead Screwdriver

Professional Plumbers Use Borescope for Residential and Commercial Plumbing Services

The borescope is a small camera that has a flexible cable that allows the plumber to see what is inside the pipes. This tool helps the plumber choose the best method for dealing with plumbing issues.

Plumbing Services Management Software

If you want to have a successful plumbing business in 2022, you will need to learn to use computer software to make your job more manageable and precise.

Additional Essential Plumbing Supplies List

Although the list above contains every essential plumbing supply you need, other tools can also be practical for various plumbing systems.

  • Air Testing U Gauge Kit
  • Solder Capillary Lead-Free Wire
  • PVC Pipe Cement
  • Pipe Sealing Cord
  • Flux Brush
  • Silicone Lubricant Grease
  • Drain Test Plug
  • Drain Rod Tool

 

30 Best Plumbing Tools You Should Have

Professional plumbers are generally good with their hands and technically inclines, but the thing that makes them the best ones is that they know when and how to use the right equipment and tool for the job. This article will introduce the 30 best plumbing tools that most plumbers use for their services.

When it comes to residential plumbing services, experts navigate an array of health hazards, issues, and small spaces to best serve you with a long-lasting plumbing system and solution. This is why hiring a professional plumber for your home services is recommended. If you don’t know how to find an expert, check the link below.

How to Hire a Plumber?

The list of Plumbing Tools and Equipment

First, let’s have a quick look at the best plumbing tools that every plumber should have. We have provided more details on each below.

plumbing wrench - O Plus Plumbing Inc. | Leading Plumbing, Plumber & Drain Company in The Greater Toronto Area - Professional Plumbing & Drain In Toronto and GTA

Plumbing Wrenches

  • Pipe Wrench for Plumbing
  • Basin Wrench for Home Plumbing
  • Adjustable Plumbing Wrench
  • Faucet Key for Residential Plumbing

Pipe Work Plumbing Tools

  • Hacksaw
  • Tube and Plastic Pipe Cutters
  • Plumber’s Torch
  • Thread Sealing Tape
  • Pliers
  • Press Fitting Systems

Clearing Clogs for Home Plumbers

  • Plumbing Plungers
  • Hand Auger
  • Snake Machine for Plumbing Services

Safety Tools for Plumbers

  • Safety Goggles
  • Gloves for Plumbing
  • Heat Shields and Pads

Other Essential Plumbing Tools

  • Pipe Expander and Fitting
  • Crimpers for Plumbing
  • Screwdriver (stubby)
  • Borescope
  • Plumbing Software and Calculators (for Plumbing Contractors)

Now let’s get to more details about these home plumbing tools.

pipe wrench

The Wrenches that You Should Have in Your Plumbing Tools

No tool or equipment is more associated with residential or commercial plumbing services than the wrench. No plumbing tools list is completed without twists. Experienced plumbers bring different types of wrenches to a job site, including:

Pipe Wrench is the First Plumbing Tool

A pipe wrench is the most oversized wrench that a plumber utilizes for residential plumbing services. Professional plumbers use these heavy plumbing tools to loosen or tighten nuts and other fittings on the pipework.

Plumbers generally utilize two pipe wrenches at once. One is used for holding a pipe in place and the other for rotating the fitting or nut correctly. Pipe wrenches are available in different lengths, and professionals can work with an entire set of these plumbing tools.

Basin Wrench for Home Plumbing

Plumbers use a basin wrench, a T-shaped tool, to work on faucets. This tool has a clamp-like mechanism on one end of its body that allows plumbers to reach narrow and small areas to tighten or loosen the nuts on the faucet. Anyone asking questions about the best tools for plumbers from you, remember to mention basin wrenches.

Adjustable Plumbing Wrench

An adjustable plumbing wrench is used for tightening or loosening hexagonal nuts on your home’s pipes. These plumbing tools come in various sizes; however, pro plumbers often use the 6-inch and 10-inch versions for their services.

Faucet Key

Faucet keys are not traditional tools for plumbing services, but they are a critical part of this list. These are small X-shaped plumbing equipment designed to close or open spigots and sillcocks.

hacksaws are plumbing tools

Pipe Work Tools for Plumbing

Professional plumbers who do plumbing daily have pipes on their plumbing tool list. Modern plumbers utilize various techniques and tools to repair, replace, and install residential plumbing fixtures. Here are some of the essential pipework tools for home plumbing services.

Hacksaw for Plumbing

Although woodworkers and carpenters use saws more than plumbers, professional plumbers have hacksaws with them to cut through various hardware such as pipes, bolts, screws, and nuts. When cutting this hardware, plumbers secure the blades tightly.

Plastic Pipe and Tube Cutters

A plumber who regularly deals with plastic or copper piping will need to replace, remove, or resize them. For this purpose, they need cutters that can cut plastic pipes and tubes.

plumbers torch

Plumber’s Torch for Home Plumbing Services

Many commercial plumbers or even residential plumbers seal metal piping by soldering them. For soldering, plumbers need heat, and plumber’s torches are the best tool.

This plumbing tool is a small, handheld one that allows the plumber to apply a high level of heat in a particular area, soldering and sealing piping for replacements and installations.

Thread Sealing Tape

A plumber’s tape or thread sealing tap is used for patching or preventing possible leaks at the threaded joint connection in your home’s plumbing system. High-quality sealing tapes are resistant to low and high temperatures. Additionally, they stretch for better coverage and never dry out.

Plumbing Pliers

Another one of the plumbing tool that professionals use regularly is plumbing pliers. These tools allow home plumbers to tighten or loosen tiny nuts and bolts that a wrench cannot grip.

Press Fitting Systems

One of the critical things that any plumbing project requires is a secure connection between pipes. Press fitting systems are used to physically press and connect a line while producing a solid connection or seal.

Press fitting systems are essential plumbing tools since they save money and time in the long run. Plumbers can produce connections using these tools in lesser time than it takes to solder or weld pipes.

plumbing tools for clog clearing

Clearing Clogs Tools

In some residential and commercial plumbing issues, the problem is not the piping system, but it is what is inside. Professional plumbers know their way around a severe clog and which plumbing tools they require to keep a home plumbing running smoothly. Here are the sewer machines or clearing clogs tools that plumbing contractors have:

Plungers for Cleaning Clogs

Although most homeowners have plungers in their homes, professional plumbers should also come to services equipped with them. Experienced people are ready with heavy-duty flange and cup plungers that can produce more suction than the standard consumer tool.

Hand Auger Plumbing Tool

A hand auger is a handheld, circular plumbing tool that allows lumbers to drive cables deep down a drain to clear the clogs. You can find various types of hand augers in the plumbing tools suppliers or store near you.

Snake Machine for Commercial and Residential Plumbing Services

Snake machines are essentially motorized and larger versions of a standard hand drill. These plumbing machines are efficient when the clogs are deep or complicated to be removed.

plumbing safety tools

Plumbing Tools for Safety

Although most plumbing services are not associated with danger, experienced plumbers know there can be some threads during the job. So, they use some tools that provide safety and protect the professional by lowering the chances of an accident. Here are some of the plumbing equipment that is used for protection:

Safety Goggles

All professional plumbers closely examine leaks and solder pipes at a close distance, which can be dangerous for their eyes. It is essential to remember that a good plumber is also safe, so they should wear appropriate goggles during their services.

Gloves for Plumbing

Plumbers are exposed to scorching pipes that you can never touch with bare hands. So, they have to use heavy-duty gloves to protect their hands and allow them to grip hot or slippery items without having a problem.

Heat Shields and Pads

Plumbers that deal with soldering during most of their services should utilize safety equipment to protect them. Heat shields and pads help plumbers protect themselves and the environment from heat damage and fire when welding or soldering is required.

modern plumber tools

Other Plumbing Equipment

Although the items above are the best plumbing tools that any plumber should have since technology is growing day by day, the hardware changes with it, and some other plumbing equipment can help plumbers do their job in a better way.

Pipe Expanders and Fittings

PEX pipe expanders and fittings are one of the newest innovations in the plumbing industry. These tools are resilient, flexible plastic piping that offers unprecedented reliability and convenience.

The expander is a drill-like plumbing tool that widens the entry of the pipe so the plumber can insert a metal fitting into it. Since these tools retain the original shape of the tube, after the mouth is closed on the fitting, it creates a perfect seal.

Crimpers for Plumbing Services

Crimpers are critical tools for plumbers who use PEX plumbing systems. However, they can also be used for other types of plumbing systems.

Crimping means joining multiple metal pieces or other materials by deforming one of them to hold the other part.

Screwdriver (Stubby)

Although a stubby screwdriver might sound more fundamental than the other plumbing equipment, you need to have these tools if you want your list to be completed. These plumbing tools can be a job saver when tightening and loosening are necessary for hard-to-reach areas.

Borescope

Most of the current pro plumbers carry borescope to the job site. The borescope is a small camera tethered by a flexible and long cable and is meant to be inserted far down into sewer lines or drains to give a better look at your home’s piping conditions.

Plumbing Business Software and Calculators

Fewer plumber professionals use traditional methods to work out estimates and do calculations. Instead, they use modern technologies and software that make the job way more accessible than it used to be. Some of the software and calculators that plumbers use are:

  • Business Valuation Calculator
  • Flow Rate Calculator
  • Pipe Vol. Calculator
  • Invoice Generator
  • Labor Rate Calculator
  • ROI Calculator
  • Service Business Grader
  • Other Mobile or Tablet Apps (Data Access, Customization, Job Automations, Payments)

5 Standard Residential Plumbing Fixtures

residential plumbing fixtures

Plumbing fixtures are devices that interact with water and are connected to the residential plumbing system whether it delivers or drains water. Although the main features of home plumbing designs tend to be the same, the design and usage of each fixture will differ. Some are ornamental depending on the fixtures and items, and some are just practical. However, most residential plumbing fixtures have a single purpose.

There are some standard residential plumbing fixtures that you can use in your kitchen and bathrooms. Since suppliers offer fixtures with various styles, colors, and finishes, you can choose and buy them equivalent to your kitchen’s or bathroom’s design.

Residential Plumbing Fixtures for Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Utility Sinks

We can use various types of sinks for washing our hands, dishes, and other items. Each home has several sinks in different portions that are called basins.

Sinks that are one of the most crucial residential plumbing fixtures have one or more faucets that supply cold and hot water. They also have a spray to provide water continuously. Most of our home’s sinks have drains, and some have incorporated soap dispensers.

There are different residential plumbing problems that you should deal with, and one of them is clogged sinks that occur due to debris and gunk that gets trapped in the piping. If you want to learn more about residential and commercial plumbing issues and their solutions, click the link below.

Residential and Commercial Plumbing Problems and Their Solutions

Sink Types that You Can Choose for Residential Plumbing Fixtures

Residential plumbing fixtures suppliers and manufacturers offer various sink types, which are:

  • Self-Rimming Sinks: Generally used for kitchens and are placed into a hole that is cut into the cabinet’s countertop.
  • Undermount Sinks: They clamp under the cabinet countertop, and waterproofing is complicated with them. They are more expensive than other types, but they look modern and contemporary.
  • Solid Surface Sinks: For a better blend between the countertop and the sink, you can order concrete surface sinks made from the same material as the countertop and glued under.
  • Sink with Rounded Rims: These are called Butler sinks and are not suitable for bathrooms. They have a rectangular shape with a rounded rim, and they are generally smaller than the kitchen ones.
  • Stand-Alone Sink: These are often mounted on a leg of a piece of furniture, and it is finished on all sides. These are the most versatile sinks that are perfect for residential plumbing fixtures.

Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets

Faucets are important residential plumbing fixtures that are used in bathrooms and bathrooms. Investing in high-quality faucets is also crucial.

You can choose a pull-out faucet with a spray head that can be pulled straight out of the fixtures rather than requiring separated sprayers.

If you want to install faucets for your residential plumbing fixtures, make sure to get in touch with professional plumbers.

The most common faucet that suppliers offer are:

  • Bathroom sink faucets for residential plumbing fixtures.
  • Bidet faucets
  • Shower and tub faucets.

decorative plumbing fixtures

Toilet Plumbing Fixtures

Toilets are among the standard residential plumbing fixtures, and the waste is transferred to a septic tank or the local sewerage system using the flush system.

Your toilets are the most complex plumbing residential plumbing fixtures with a difficult filling tank that ensures proper waste flow. The most complicated element is the humble toilet lid.

You have various style options for toilets, including modern, traditional, classic, etc. However, modern toilet plumbing fixtures are more energy-efficient and use less water while offering a more powerful flush.

Faucet Cartridges are Residential Plumbing Fixtures

Faucet valves or cartridges are an essential component of any residential or commercial plumbing system. There are four primary types of valves that are used in areas in the faucets where cold and hot water mix and the flow rate is controlled.

The purpose of all types of faucet cartridges is the same, which is to deliver water at the desired temperature and rate. The most common problems with these residential plumbing fixtures are worn-out rubber rings and clogged passages.

Water Filters for Home Plumbing

These residential plumbing fixtures are optional yet practical. Suppose you experience water heater failure or stains on the laundry, damage to water appliances, or a bad water taste. In that case, you should hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system for the following signs of water:

  • Inefficient water pressure
  • Water spots on the bathroom doors
  • Mineral deposits build up in your showerheads

Thus, you will have to prevent calcium carbonate buildup from inside the pipes with water filters. This is why the filters are crucial residential plumbing fixtures.

 

 

 

Portable Driveway Snow Melting Mats vs. Heated Driveways: Best Comparison

portable driveway snow melting mats

When you wake up in the morning in the middle of winter in Canada after a restful night’s sleep and see multiple inches of snow in your driveway area, it can dampen your mood. It is evident that spending time shoveling the snow is not fun, especially when you know that it will happen again eventually in a few days. This is a problem that many people face in Canada. However, we have a perfect solution for you. Using heated driveways or portable driveway snow melting mats is the solution. But what is their difference? Which one should you buy and use? Which is more cost-effective? Don’t worry. We have all the answers for you.

What are Built-In Driveway Heating Systems?

Installing built-in heating driveway systems beneath the surface of your facility (similar to radiant-in-floor heating) is one of the best ways to create safe driveways during winter for your house.

These snow and ice melting systems are a grid of heating elements or thin tubes that carry a mixture of antifreeze and warm water. These elements are buried under your driveway’s asphalt or concrete to raise enough temperature to melt the snow or ice on your driveway.

There are two main types of built-in driveway heating systems that are available in the market which are:

  • Electric Heating Driveway
  • Hydronic Driveway Heating Systems

Depending on your needs, a professional plumbing company and contractor in Canada will help you decide the suitable system for your driveway.

Electric Driveway Heating

Electric driveway heating systems are the simplest in the market. Installers loosely weave insulated wires into flexible mats and connect them to the household current with a buried conduit.

Professionals can arrange the mats to align with your car’s tires or cover your home’s driveway completely. This modern driveway heating systems feature a range of system-control options. You can use a classic thermostat to turn on when there is snow to a wi-fi-connected phone or device that automatically modulates your driveway’s temperature according to its weather conditions.

Hydronic Driveway Heating System

A hydronic or water driveway heating system is made from loops of plastic tubes that are called PEX. These tubes carry a mix of propylene glycol or antifreeze liquid and water.

The hydronic heating system is heated by the residential boiler that is placed in the garage or basement. The warm mix is pumped through your residential plumbing system.

Unlike the electric heating system that utilizes one source of energy and power, hydronic boilers are versatile and can be electric, oil, solar, gas, or even wood-fired. The versatility of the water driveway heating system allows homeowners to have various options for cost savings.

What is Similar Between Hydronic and Electric Driveway Heating?

The only similarity between electric and hydronic systems is that they range from automatic to manual control options.

Advantages of Built-in Heating Driveway Systems

  • Eliminates snow and ice
  • No more shoveling during winter
  • Saves time and energy
  • Cost-effective solutions

Challenges

  • Installation cost is a bit high
  • In some cases, installing a new driveway will be required
  • Repairing heated driveway systems can be costly

What is Portable Driveway Snow Melting Mats?

Portable driveway snow melting mats are the cheaper alternative to built-in heating systems. These mobile systems are similar to the mats that are used for porches, walkways, and entryways. But they are built to be strong enough to hold the weight of your car.

Unlike the last system that heats the entire driveway, portable ones are installed in parallel lines to melt ice and snow along the tire path.

The heating elements in portable driveway snow melting mats are sandwiched between rubber material. You can plug a portable snow melting system into a standard outlet.

Portable driveway snow melting mats are one of the suitable alternatives for a home or business that doesn’t see a lot of snow during winter.

Advantages of Portable Driveway Snow Melting Mats

  • You will no longer need to shovel your driveway during cold seasons.
  • Portable driveway snow melting mats quickly melt snow.
  • Mobile snow melting systems are easy to move and portable.
  • Cheaper than the built-in driveway heating systems.
  • Using or replacing them is very easy.

Challenges of Mobile Driveway Snow Melting Systems

  • They are installed over the targeted area, and your driveway is not heated thoroughly.
  • Aesthetic problems

Most Common Industrial or Commercial Plumbing Problems and Solutions

commercial plumbing problems

It is evident that not all plumbing services are equally done. However, commercial plumbing is way more complex when comparing residential plumbing services to industrial or commercial plumbing. Dealing with the most common commercial plumbing problems poses various challenges. They are very different from easy residential issues. Imagine a home with few members and then think about a large office building. It is not difficult to see their differences.

Some of these commercial plumbing services may seem similar to residential facilities. However, due to the scope of the needing services, industrial concerns can be magnified, causing severe problems for property managers and tenants. Here are the most common industrial or commercial plumbing problems and their solutions.

  • Hot Water Commercial Plumbing Problems
  • Clogged Toilets in Commercial and Industrial Facilities
  • Sewer Odour Commercial Plumbing Problems
  • Blocked Drains of Industrial Properties
  • Plumbing Pipes Leaks

Hot Water Commercial Plumbing Problems

Hot water issues are common commercial plumbing problems that building owners and tenants can experience. For some industrial enterprises, lack of hot water can establish devastating. If you are the owner of a residential building or office facility, the local building codes and regulations will require that the hot water gauges and controls be in place to prevent burns and fire. Thus, commercial plumbing problems with the hot water system need professional services.

Hot water system issues in industrial and commercial facilities are far more elaborate than the standard residential plumbing system, and tracing the cause of the problems is time-consuming.

However, commercial plumbing problems in the hot water system are often because of the water heater. Replacing the insulating tank or the thermostat and the pipes can help. Lack of temperature regulation can cause severe problems for commercial facilities. Thus, it is better to hire a plumber to avoid further issues.

commercial plumbing problems with hot water - O Plus Plumbing Inc. | Leading Plumbing, Plumber & Drain Company in The Greater Toronto Area - Professional Plumbing & Drain In Toronto and GTA

Clogged toilets in Commercial and Industrial Facilities

A clogged or backed-up toilet is a significant inconvenience in residential and commercial facilities. However, this issue can extremely impact hotels, restaurants, and other venues. Moreover, hospitals are generally impacted by these commercial plumbing problems.

Having control over what goes into the toilets of a commercial facility is almost impossible. Signs that indicate what can or cannot be flushed down the toilet will have many consequences. In large and complex plumbing systems, blockages can have cascading outcomes. For example, overflow commercial plumbing problems can lead to severe water damage.

You can remedy the minor toilet clogs with a plunger. However, hiring a professional plumbing service contractor for multi-fixture or chronic issues is better than looking for more serious causes such as pump issues.

clogged toilets

Sewer Odor Commercial Plumbing Problems

All sewers have a smell, a mixture of inorganic gases containing compounds like ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Inhaling these gases can lead to serious health issues. Besides the health problems, the sewer smell is very annoying, and the effect on business facilities can have a massive financial impact.

Commercial Plumbing Problems Causes by Sewer Gasses

There are several ways that sewer gasses can get inside a building and cause problems:

  • Dry Trap
  • A Blocked Vent
  • Damaged Drain Line

Dray trap is a common cause of sewer gas odors. When damp, a simple trap can be effective. The dry trap is generally made from u-shaped tubing or pipe in which one end is connected to the drain, and the other connects to a sewer line. Moreover, the u-shaped trough contains a small amount of water which prevents the gasses from infiltrating the interior of a facility.

Vents are used for equalizing pressure caused by wastewater that runs through the system. If you block the duct, sewer smells cannot be released outside.

A damaged drain line is a rare occurrence that can cause sewage to be released under the facility instead of being carried out.

Blocked Drains of Industrial Properties

Blocked and clogged drains are common industrial or commercial plumbing problems. It is challenging to control what people put down sinks or tubs like toilets. If you don’t have access to individual units or cannot dictate housekeeping rules, you will have to deal with these issues at some point.

Gauge if these are happening in your commercial facility:

  • Water Drains Speed Decrement
  • Water Pooling Around the Drain
  • Gurgling Sounds from Drain
  • Water Puddles Near a Tub or Sink
  • Bad Smells Coming from The Drains
  • The Smell of Rotting Foods Coming From a Garbage Disposal

If these issues are reported frequently, you can take simple steps to nip any expensive and time-consuming problems in the bud.

  • Remove any debris and clean the wire screen and the sink stopper.
  • Plunge with a half-full tub or sink of water.
  • Do not immediately use chemical drain cleaners that can corrode the plumbing system’s pipes.
  • Know the location of the primary water valve.

Prevention Key Tips for Avoiding Blocked Drain Commercial Plumbing Problems

  • Do not put coffee grounds or cooking grease down the sink.
  • Install a grease trap in commercial facilities such as restaurants.
  • Clean the garbage disposal once a month by grinding salt and ice and flushing it with cold water.

If you still have these industrial or commercial plumbing issues, contact us and let us investigate to fix your problem immediately.

pipe leaks can cause commercial plumbing problems

Plumbing Pipes Leaks

Plumbing pipe leaks are a source of the massive waste of water. However, they are preventable. Leaking pipes are also common plumbing issues in winter. Most of these leaks are caused by damaged washers, O-rings, and seals that can easily replace. But, the pipe leaks require the unique maintenance and attention of professional plumbing service providers to avoid an emergency. The following factors can indicate that your facility is experiencing pipe leaks:

  • Faucets Dripping
  • Water Around the Base of Traps
  • Meter Reading Number Increment