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Preparing your outdoor facet for the Ottawa winter can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the area. The key is to take the necessary steps to ensure your outdoor space is protected from the harsh elements of winter. By taking these preparatory steps, you can help your outdoor space last through the cold temperatures and snowfalls of Ottawa’s winter climate.

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20 ways to prepare your outdoor faucet for the Ottawa winter:

1. Check your outside faucet for any signs of damage or leaks and make repairs if necessary. Leaks can lead to water freezing in the pipes, which can cause them to burst when temperatures drop too low.

2. Cover your exposed outdoor pipes with insulation or foam pipe covers to help keep the cold out. This will prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter.

3. Disconnect hoses and store them inside during cold weather. If a hose is left attached, it can cause water to freeze in the pipe, which can lead to a burst pipe.

4. Drain your faucet completely by turning off the valve and opening up the faucet. This will ensure that any water left in the pipe is removed and prevent it from freezing and causing damage.

5. Install a freeze-proof outdoor faucet to reduce the risk of having your pipes burst in frigid temperatures. These faucets are designed to withstand cold temperatures without freezing or bursting, making them a great option for colder climates.

6. Wrap your outdoor spigots in foam insulation or use a frost-free hose bibb to protect them from the cold weather. This will help keep the water inside the pipes warm and reduce the chance of a frozen pipe bursting.

7. Make sure that any exposed faucet valves are insulated with foam pipe coverings to ensure they don’t freeze during winter months.

8. Inspect all exterior walls, windows and doors of your home for any gaps around them where cold air can get in and freeze pipes near by. Seal up any cracks or holes you find with caulk or weather stripping.

9. Install heat tape on any exposed pipes that may be at risk of freezing during the winter. Heat tape is an electrical cord that wraps around pipes and helps to prevent them from freezing by regulating the temperature.

10. Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris to ensure proper water drainage away from your home, preventing any chance of flooding or water seepage into walls which can freeze and cause damage.

11. Install a humidifier in your home if you’re worried about humidity levels being too low in the wintertime, as this will help keep moisture in the air and reduce the chances of frozen pipes bursting due to dry conditions inside the house.

12. Place electric space heaters near exposed pipes to help keep them warm during cold spells and prevent freezing or bursting.

13. Ensure that your home is well insulated to keep cold air out and warmth in, which will help reduce the risk of pipes freezing or bursting during winter months.

14. If you have an irrigation system, make sure to turn it off before winter sets in as leaving it running can cause water to freeze in the pipes, leading to a burst pipe when temperatures drop below freezing.

15. Check for any low-lying areas around your faucet or hose bibbs where water may be collecting and causing potential freezing issues during wintertime. Make sure these areas are cleared of standing water or snow so they don’t become frozen over and cause a problem.

16. Keep faucets slightly open when temperatures drop below freezing to allow a tiny bit of water to flow and prevent it from becoming completely frozen in the pipes.

17. Make sure to keep an eye out for icicles forming around your outdoor faucet, as this can be a sign that there is a cold air leak or blockage somewhere in the area and can lead to burst pipes if not addressed.

18. Make sure your home’s sump pump is in good working condition and has back-up power if needed, as this will help avoid any flooding issues due to melting snow and ice during winter months.

19. Have your furnace tuned up before winter sets in each year to ensure it is working properly, as this will help reduce the risk of pipes freezing due to lack of heat in the house.

20. Finally, check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure it covers any damage from frozen or burst pipes during winter months, as this can help you save a lot of money if an unexpected problem arises.

Following these steps will help ensure that your outdoor faucet is ready for the Ottawa winter and reduce the risk of pipe bursts and other related issues. Taking proactive measures now will help protect your home from any costly repairs down the road. Stay safe and warm!

These are just some tips on how to prepare your outdoor faucet for the Ottawa winter – but be sure to contact a professional plumber or home inspector if you have any specific questions or concerns. They can provide you with more detailed advice on how to properly and safely prepare your outdoor faucet for the cold temperatures. Good luck!

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In general, it is safe to use chemical drain cleaners. However, it is always important to read the product label and follow the directions carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your local Ottawa hardware store or plumber. Never mix different chemicals together, as this can create a dangerous reaction. Always keep products out of the reach of children and pets. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners can produce harmful fumes and should only be used in a well-ventilated area. If inhaled, these fumes can cause serious health problems. It is also important to wear protective clothing and safety glasses while using the product.

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But that being said,

Here’s 10 important safety tips for using chemical drain cleaners:

1. Always wear protective gloves, eye protection and clothing when using chemical drain cleaners.

Refusing to wear protective gear can lead to severe skin or eye irritation. There are countless stories of people accidentally splashing these products on their skin and suffering serious burns as a result. If this happens, immediately flush the area with cold water and seek medical attention.

2. Read the product label carefully before use and follow all instructions, including safety precautions. Ignoring them can be dangerous.

By reading the product label, you will reduce the risk of health hazards and potential injury.

3. Never mix different drain cleaners together as this can create a dangerous reaction that could cause serious injury.

Mixing them can also create fumes that can be hazardous to your health. Plus, it can damage your pipes and fixtures and that’s a costly repair.

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4. If the chemical drain cleaner contains acid, it is especially important to read the label carefully and use caution when pouring and handling the product.

As mentioned above, always wear protective clothing and safety glasses while using this type of product.

5. When pouring a chemical drain cleaner down a sink or toilet, make sure to do so slowly and carefully.

It is also important not to exceed the recommended amount of product on the label. People in Ottawa and around the world have been known to pour too much down the drain which can cause serious damage to pipes.

6. Always keep chemical drain cleaners out of the reach of children and pets.

If necessary, store them in a locked cabinet or room away from any living areas that are accessible by children or animals.

7. Never use chemical drain cleaners on a clogged toilet or sink, as this can cause a dangerous overflow of chemicals and water out of the pipe.

8. Use only enough product necessary to get the job done; excessive amounts may damage pipes or fixtures.

9. After using chemical drain cleaners, flush the area with plenty of clean water.

Be sure to rinse the drain out thoroughly to remove any remaining residues.

10. In the case of severe clogs, it is best to contact a professional plumber if you are unable to clear it with an appropriate chemical cleaner.

Following these safety tips will help make sure that you use chemical drain cleaners safely and effectively. Remember, it is always important to read the product label carefully before use and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer. Taking these steps will ensure that you can safely unclog your drains without any potential health risks or accidents.

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Your home’s plumbing system brings clean, fresh water into the house and then carries out used water through a sewer line. When a sewer line breaks, however, this flow comes to a screeching halt. Early detection can help manage a broken sewer line, but prevention remains the best way to keep your drains clear, clean, and flowing properly.

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When most people hear the word “fireplace,” they envision a traditional masonry hearth fireplace that burns wood. Although this setup has been keeping homes warm and toasty for centuries, there are other appealing options that provide both heat and a wonderful ambiance.

More and more homeowners are making the switch from wood-burning fireplaces to gas-burning fireplace inserts. A gas fireplace combines the benefit of heat from a fire with energy efficiency and no clean-up due to the fact that they don’t burn wood logs.

Whether you want to have a gas fireplace installed where you previously had a wood-burning fireplace, or you want a simple gas log insert, we’re the team you can rely on. If you’ve been wondering what’s the best fireplace for your Wayne, NJ home, read on to learn more about the benefits of gas fireplace inserts.

They’re Convenient To Operate

Imagine flipping a switch and having a warm, glowing fire appear before you. Now think of all the hassle that’s involved with building a wood fire. You need to chop wood and kindling. Even if you purchase logs, you still need to lug them inside and get the fire set up.

Once the fire is lit, you need to keep an eye on it and stoke the fire to keep it going with more and more wood. Then when you’ve let the fire die down, eventually you’ll need to clean up all the ashes. With a gas fireplace, a warm, comforting fire can be achieved with the press of a button–with no messy cleanup afterward.

They’re Low Maintenance

Gas fireplaces require a lot less cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep than wood-burning fireplaces. The only thing you’ll need to do is clean it and the glass doors 1-2 times a month. When it comes to maintenance, you can leave that job to the professionals. With a wood-burning fireplace, there’s a lot more daily cleaning and maintenance involved.

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They’re Aesthetically Pleasing

Gas fireplaces produce realistic flames to help achieve that amazing ambiance that only the heat and light from a fireplace can provide. Thanks to advancements in technology, gas fireplaces that are being sold today have more natural-looking colors to the flame similar to the flames created by wood-burning fireplaces.

They’re Incredibly Versatile

Gas fireplaces are known for their versatility. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces which require a chimney, you can have a gas one installed just about anywhere in your home, so long as you have a natural gas connection. More and more homeowners are having natural gas fireplaces installed in rooms that traditionally don’t have a fireplace such as a bathroom or a bedroom.

Hire Professionals for a Gas Fireplace Insert

If you’re convinced that gas fireplace installation is for you, there’s only one rule that you must follow: the installation must be done by professionals. Any work in your home that involves natural gas lines should always be handled by technicians that have the proper training.

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This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

Clogged drains can be incredibly frustrating. They interfere with normal use of your plumbing fixtures, cause unpleasant smells, and sometimes even lead to water damage. It’s even worse if they occur repeatedly, or if you can’t figure out how to unclog them.

We’re here to help. Here are some common reasons why drains clog, ways you might be able to resolve the clogs yourself, and pointers for avoiding them in future. We’ll also cover situations where professional plumbing help is essential.

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Common Clog Causes

• Hard Water: All water contains dissolved minerals, but some water contains particularly high concentrations of things like calcium, magnesium, and iron. This doesn’t pose a health risk when you drink it, but it can pose risks to your plumbing when the minerals accumulate inside your pipes, narrowing them until they clog.

• Soap Scum: It’s inevitable that soap gets washed down the drain. Just as this substance builds up on the walls of your shower or tub, it also builds up inside your pipes. Hard water can contribute to this problem as well, making it harder for the soap to fully wash away.

• Hair: When it goes down the drain, it becomes a convenient nest where soap scum can make a home.

• Fats, Oil, and Grease: These substances might go down the kitchen sink as liquids, but they solidify when they cool, plugging up your plumbing.

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Home Remedies

Do not reach for a bottle labeled “drain cleaner” and pour it down your plumbing! These are caustic chemicals with hazardous fumes, meaning they pose risks to your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. They can also damage the inside of your pipes, and they don’t even do a good job of eliminating clogs.

Instead, reach for a plunger or a hand-cranked drain snake. These are safe options that can usually dislodge the worst of a clog, allowing water to begin flowing again. If you can’t resolve a clog with these methods, or your drains quickly clog again, it’s time for professional plumbing help. Trained, experienced plumbers have access to tools and training that make drain cleaning a straightforward job, so we can get your water draining smoothly with ease.

Prevention

A water softening system can reduce the effects of hard water, and hair traps can help collect hair before it goes down the drain. The simple step of wiping greasy dishes with a paper towel before washing can reduce the risk of grease clogs.

The best way to be sure you won’t encounter sudden or frequent clogs is to have drain cleaning in Winter Park, FL done as part of your routine home maintenance. This can save you from frustration, hassles, emergency plumbing needs, and even water damage. Just imagine the peace of mind of knowing there are no hair clumps, grease globs, or mineral deposits partially blocking your drains, and that you don’t have to worry about one little clump being the final straw that creates a total clog.

A Word of Warning

If you experience clogs throughout the house, not in isolated drains, or if you have unpleasant odors coming from multiple drains in the house, there could be a problem with your sewer vent. Sewer gas could be improperly venting inside your home, which is a major health hazard. Reach out for plumbing service immediately.

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This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

Who doesn’t want the gift of a warm home for the holidays? Before you start to host guests in your home, it’s a good idea to schedule a furnace maintenance. Here are the top 5 reasons why furnace maintenance is so important.

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1. Ensures Efficiency

When used extensively and for many years, parts of your furnace can begin to wear down. Let’s take your air filter for example. An air filter is designed to remove common pollutants from your air, like dust, dirt, dander, and more. When the air filter is dirty or clogged, it greatly restricts airflow and can cause your furnace to work much harder to heat your home. This can negatively impact the efficiency of your unit.

2. Extends the Lifespan of Your Unit

A furnace maintenance can help address minor, small issues before they turn into major, costly issues. A properly-maintained unit can last anywhere from 15-20 years usually. However, if you don’t maintain your furnace, you may find yourself replacing it much sooner than that.

3. Saves on Energy Costs

As briefly mentioned above, when a furnace is dirty or worn out, it’s less efficient. Not only will you notice a change in your comfort as a result, but you’ll also likely notice higher-than-usual energy bills. Neglecting maintenance can result in an inefficient unit that increases energy bills.

4. Keeps Your Family Safe

Many things can go wrong with a furnace that isn’t properly maintained. For one, it can experience electrical issues that can be a huge risk to your home and health. Not only that, but you have a crack or a leak in your heat exchanger that is causing carbon monoxide to leak out which is a serious issue. A professional can check for leaks and make sure that all carbon monoxide is exiting your home, and your family isn’t being exposed to the harmful and deadly gas.

5. Maintain Your Manufacturer’s Warranty

You should plan to double check your paperwork, as many manufacturer’s will void the warranty if you don’t have your equipment regularly maintained and inspected. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and always make sure you’re maintaining your unit so your warranty can stay intact.

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This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

You’ve packed your swimwear or your snow gear and you’re heading out of town for the holidays. But your return home could be less than relaxing unless you’ve taken a few precautions with your plumbing.

Here’s a checklist of six plumbing tasks you should complete before you head out of town this holiday season.

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1. Shut it Down Outside

Before you head out of town, take some time to drain your outside spigots. When the temperature dips, it can freeze your pipes and cause cracked and leaky spigots.

2. Get into Vacation Mode

Take a look at your water heater before you leave for obvious signs of any problems. If all looks clear, dial back your water heater temperature or switch your water heater to vacation mode if your unit offers that option.

3. Avoid A Stinky Return

Often we clear out our refrigerator before we head out of town for the holidays and dump a lot of food down the garbage disposal.

Take a few minutes to clean your garbage disposal to ensure there isn’t food that will stink up your home while you are away.

4. Shut Off The Main Event

One of the best ways to prevent a plumbing disaster while away is to turn off your main shut-off valve. This will stop any water from entering your home.

Make sure you open up your faucets throughout the home and drain the remaining water out of the existing lines after you shut off the main valve.

5. Tinker With Your Sprinkler

If you haven’t turned off the main water value, be sure to turn off your sprinkler system. Unobserved small leaks can add up to a big issue when you get back in town.

6. Prevent Faucet Failure

You’ve likely budgeted for your vacation, so why let a leaky faucet waste money down the drain?

Take a look at this drip calculator that shows homeowners how much that leaky faucet is actually costing in wasted water. Be proactive in addressing any leaky faucets before you head out of town.

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This post first appeared on https://lentheplumber.com

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

When it comes to plumbing, there are a few key differences between residential and industrial plumbing (also known as commercial plumbing). Each requires slightly different tools and skill sets based on water usage differences between homes and businesses and how their plumbing functions. But for local small businesses, it can still feel confusing to understand exactly which service is right for you.

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Many homeowners invest in a water filtration system because they want better water for drinking. While this is one of the major benefits, there are so many other advantages of having one installed in your home.

1. Better Tasting Water

Let’s start with the obvious one – a water filtration system helps provide better tasting water. It helps your water taste better because it eliminates the risks of your water being contaminated with harsh and toxic chemicals.

2. Purified Water

A water filtration system provides purified water for daily activities like drinking, cooking, washing fruits and veggies, taking showers, cleaning, laundry and more.

3. Extends Lifespan Of Appliances

Appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine, showers, toilets, faucets, fixtures, and more will get to enjoy a longer life if you use filtered water. Unfiltered water is full of sediment, heavy metals, chemicals chlorine and more which can cause pipe damage, worn faucets, and clogged drains.

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4. Keeps Out Heavy Metals

Not only can a water filtration system keep heavy metals out of your water, but it can also keep the good minerals from the water. Luckily, it doesn’t strip everything from your water – just the stuff you don’t want.

5. Filters Out Chemicals

Many homes have contaminated and polluted water that isn’t safe for consumption. A water filtration system will filter out all of these dangerous contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals.

6. Lessens Corrosion

Does your water have discoloration? Do you notice stains around your appliances, fixtures and sinks? These could be signs of corrosion in your pipes. If not addressed, rust and corrosion in your pipes can cause a series of health problems.

7. Saves You From Water Pollution

In instances when your local water supply becomes polluted, you will be glad you have your own system. You can have peace of mind knowing that you never have to worry about water pollution.

8. Eliminates Water Problems

Unsightly stains, tastes and odors can really turn you off from drinking and using your water. Have you ever taken a sip of your water and it smells fishy or tastes like chlorine? These are signs of impurities. If you notice any stains, awful tastes and foul odors, it’s likely due to bacteria in your water.

9. Helps The Environment

Did you know we use about 40 billion plastic bottles a month in the United States? A water filtration system significantly reduces your dependence on plastic bottles, saving you money and also helping the environment.

Cool Touch Is Here For All Your Water Filtration System Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas!

We are here for all your water filtration system needs in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas! For over 20 years, we have been your trusted home comfort specialists for all things HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by visiting us online here.

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This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Call Us at (877) 959-3534 for Plumbing Service

The holiday season brings many merry and joyful things we’ve come to count on. Some of these are spending time with family, eating holiday foods and treats, and having a warm and cozy home. Perhaps of all these things, you’re not so certain that your furnace will see you through the holiday season. If you suspect your furnace might leave you in the cold this winter, it’s a good idea to know the signs you may need furnace repair in Montclair, NJ.

No matter what type of heating system you have, it’s better to schedule service at the first signs of trouble. Getting repairs taken care of will save you money and keep you safe. Read on to learn about the 5 signs you need furnace repairs and why it’s so important to be able to recognize them.

#1 Increased Utility Bills

Here’s a great incentive to start keeping tabs on your monthly heating bills. Increased utility bills that can’t be explained by increased usage are a sure sign that your furnace isn’t performing as well as it could be. Don’t throw away money on excessive heating of your home. Instead, put that money to better use by addressing the issues that are causing it and getting the necessary repairs done.

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#2 More Than One Repair Per Year

Needing multiple repairs in a year is a sign that a furnace is on the decline. Just like paying higher utility bills, paying for repairs that could’ve been avoided shouldn’t be necessary. Think about how many repairs you’ve had over the last couple of years and consider how much they’ve cost you. If the expense of maintaining your current furnace is only going up, perhaps it’s time to cut those losses and consider a replacement unit.

#3 Strange Noises

A furnace that’s operating smoothly and efficiently should make very little noise. The only noises it should make are when it turns on and off and the sound of air flowing through the vents. Unusual noises such as squealing, screeching, hissing, and popping are signs that something is wrong. A noisy furnace could quickly become a safety hazard or fail to heat your home properly, so it’s important to have these noises checked out by a trained professional.

#4 Strange Smells

The smell of dust is normal when you turn your heater on for the first time after not using it for a while. But any ongoing smells such as the smell of gas, rotten eggs, or burning should be checked out at once.

#5 Yellow Pilot Light

The pilot light in your furnace should be a steady blue color. If you have a pilot light that’s yellow, orange, or flickering, it could signal a potentially hazardous problem such as a carbon monoxide leak or a cracked heat exchanger. If you notice your pilot light is any color other than blue, call us immediately to schedule service.

While we encourage you to know more about your furnace, we don’t encourage you to open it up and try fixing it yourself. Furnaces should only be worked on by trained professionals—like us!

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This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com