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In Ottawa,Ontario, the law is clear about who is responsible for plumbing repairs but it may not be obvious at times. The short answer to who is responsible for plumbing repairs is the landlord. The landlord of the rental property is always responsible, except for those that are the result of normal wear and tear. If a tenant experiences a plumbing problem they should first try to contact the landlord. If the landlord does not respond or cannot be reached, then the tenant can call a plumber themselves.

It’s important to remember that if a tenant damages something in their unit through negligence or misuse, they will be held responsible and may have to pay for repairs.

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Ontario.

Section 20 of the RTA states that the landlord is responsible for

The repair of the residential complex, except to the extent that the damage or deterioration is caused by the willful or negligent conduct of the tenant, another occupant of the complex or a person permitted in the complex by the tenant.

This means that, generally speaking, if something in your unit needs to be repaired and it’s not your fault, you should contact your landlord. Your landlord must then make the necessary repairs in a timely manner.

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1. What is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and what does this mean for who pays the plumbing?

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is a law that sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Ontario. So if a tenant in Ottawa experiences a plumbing problem, they should call their landlord.

Who is responsible for plumbing repairs then?

In general, if something in your unit needs to be repaired and it’s not your fault, you should contact your landlord. Your landlord must then make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 

2. What are a landlord’s responsibilities in Ottawa under the RTA?

The landlord is generally responsible for repairing damage to the rental unit, unless the damage was caused by the tenant’s negligence or misuse. As mentioned already, according to section 20 of the RTA, the landlord is responsible for

The repair of the residential complex, except to the extent that the damage or deterioration is caused by the willful or negligent conduct of the tenant, another occupant of the complex or a person permitted in the complex by the tenant.

3-What are the tenant responsibilities in Ottawa under the RTA?

Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental unit clean and in good repair. They must also not damage the unit or allow anyone else to damage it. If a tenant damages something in their unit through negligence or misuse, they will be held responsible and may have to pay for repairs.

4-What should I do if I have a plumbing problem with my rental unit that needs to be repaired?

If you are renting a unit in Ottawa and have a plumbing problem that needs to be repaired, you should contact your landlord. Your landlord must then make the necessary repairs in a timely manner.

5-Can I repair the damage myself and deduct the cost from my rent?

No. You cannot repair the damage yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. If you do so, you may be evicted. The landlord is also responsible for cleaning the hallways, stairwells, and any other common areas in the apartment building. If there are any messes or spillages in these areas, it is the responsibility of the landlord to clean them up. (Source)

6. Are there any exceptions to this rule?

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you damage something in your unit through negligence or misuse, you will be held responsible and may have to pay for repairs. Another exception is if the repair needed is due to normal wear and tear. This is defined as

deterioration that results from the intended use of a residential complex or part of it.

For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage to your unit, this would not be considered normal wear and tear–the landlord would be responsible for repairing the pipe and fixing the water damage. However, if a doorknob becomes loose due to normal use over time, this would be considered normal wear and tear and the tenant would be responsible for repairing or replacing it.

In summary, Ottawa landlords are responsible for all repairs, except for those that are the result of normal wear and tear. If a tenant experiences a plumbing problem, they should first try to contact the landlord. If the landlord does not respond or cannot be reached, then the tenant can call a plumber themselves. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Ontario, so if you have any questions about your specific situation, be sure to consult with an expert. This post only serves to answer general questions about plumbing.

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Whether you’ve just purchased your first home, are renting a property, or have been a homeowner for decades, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your home improvement skills. Having some DIY knowledge for common plumbing issues can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

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

How often do you really think about cleaning your drain? Most people probably don’t consider it at all. They may not even realize that to keep your drains functioning properly, they should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Many things like hair bits of food, go down drains on a regular basis that over time can cause build up and then blockages. The next thing a homeowner knows is he is trying to take a shower and is standing in a puddle of water. A few quick tips can keep your drain flowing smoothly.

When Should I Clean My Drains?

There is a lot of advice suggesting how often drains should be cleaned. Cleaning the drain is a simple task and doesn’t take much time. The most important thing is that it is done regularly and becomes part of a homeowners routine. Once a month is a good time to clean the drain because it isn’t a huge addition to everyday life, but it’s also regular enough to keep drains running well. Taking the time once a month to clean the drains could end up saving money in the long run. Drains problems left alone could become costly plumbing problems.

How Should I Clean My Drains?

There are some easy ways to keep drains clean. One is after washing dishes or food preparation, turn on the hot water and run it in the sink to clear out the drain. Every few days, pour a half cup of baking soda then a half cup of vinegar down the drain.

If the drain seems to clog easily, or often, before going to bed, start by pouring a half cup of baking soda down the drain. Immediately follow that with a half cup of salt. Then pour a half cup of vinegar in and it will foam. A minute later pour several quarts of boiling water down the drain.

There are some things that can be done to prevent blockages. Purchase a mesh screen to cover the drain to catch hair and other things that can go down the drain. If there is an item that is questionable if it can go down the drain, or needs to be thrown in the trash, throw it out. Some items that should absolutely not go down the drain are grounds from coffee, grease, gum, baby wipes, cotton, and hair.

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

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

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

Fall is officially in the air – and what better time to focus on improving the air quality inside your home? This time of year, air conditioning isn’t needed as much to keep cool which can lead to poor humidity levels inside your home. Here are 5 ways to improve your indoor air quality so you can stay comfortable and breathe easier this season.

1. Use Natural Air Fresheners

Air fresheners aren’t really all that “fresh” after all. They might smell good, but they’re not great for your indoor air quality – or your health – a lot of times. Many air fresheners contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are gases that release into the air from processes or products. Exposure to VOCs can cause a host of problems, like headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, throat and nose. Long-term exposure can cause even worse problems, like cancer, and damage to your kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. To help reduce indoor air pollution and improve your health, consider using natural air fresheners in place of commercial air fresheners this fall.

2. Clean Your House Regularly

Many of us clean our homes regularly, already, but we don’t just mean vacuum and wipe down counters. We mean really clean your house. This includes dusting off ceiling fans, vents, and registers, or anywhere that collects dust. Vacuum and steam clean your carpets often. Remove shoes at the door before entering your home. Use natural cleaning products instead of those that are loaded with chemicals. All of these cleaning efforts can really help improve your indoor air quality this fall.

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3. Maintain Your HVAC System

The purpose of an air filter is to help improve your home’s air quality, so you should plan to change it every 30-90 days. Your air filter collects dust, dander, dirt, and other particles.  When your filter is clogged with these particles, they can’t filter as easily and can end up circulating throughout your home. Changing your air filter every 1-3 months and scheduling HVAC maintenance annually are great ways to help improve your indoor air quality.

4. Invest In Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Indoor air quality solutions, like air cleaners, are designed to purify your indoor air and remove contaminants like dust, pollen, and dander. Many companies, like Cool Touch, offer products and services like air cleaners, humidifiers, and UV germicidal lights that can help boost your air quality. Take care of your indoor air, and invest in indoor air quality solutions.

5. Have Good Ventilation

When you’re cooking or bathing, make sure to turn on the exhaust fans to exhaust pollutants. This helps circulate indoor air and improve your ventilation. When you’re cooking, the fan will help vent out any fumes, smoke, heat, or steam that builds up and impacts the air you breathe. If you can, also consider opening some doors and windows to let fresh air in and stale air out.

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

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

Touchless faucets are a new technology that helps conserve water, free your hands, and help keep your faucet handles free from dirt and germs.

What Is a Touchless Faucet?

A touchless faucet eliminates the need to activate water by manually turning a handle. Touchless faucets rely on motion sensors to activate the stream of water and shut it off.

Benefits of Touchless Faucets

Here are seven reasons touchless faucets are a good choice for your home:

1. Touchless faucets conserve water: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, faucets account for 15% of household water usage. A touchless faucet can help reduce that usage because it automatically turns on and off.
2. Touchless faucets help with hygiene: Germs can live on traditional faucet handles. A touchless version means there is no risk of spreading or contracting germs or dirt that can remain on a faucet handle. That means once you clean your hands, you don’t reintroduce germs by touching a dirty faucet handle to turn off the water.
3. Touchless faucets are convenient: Hands full of dishes? No problem. The sensors make it convenient when your hands are too full to turn a knob.
4. Touchless faucets require less cleaning: Because grubby hands aren’t constantly grabbing onto knobs and levers, touchless faucets stay cleaner longer than traditional faucets.
5. Touchless faucets prevent scalding: Touchless faucets typically have a fixed temperature, so you can feel confident that the water won’t scald your hands.
6. Touchless faucets help with independence: The motion-activated features mean anyone with mobility issues or someone who struggles with grip or hand issues can easily use the faucet unassisted.
7. Touchless faucets have pre-fixed flow: There’s no wasteful blast of water when someone opens up a faucet to its capacity. This automated feature helps to conserve water.

What Do I Need To Install a Touchless Faucet?

Some touchless faucets are battery-powered, and some are plug-in versions. If you choose a plug-in version, you will need an outlet for a power source.

In the event of a power outage, your touchless faucet without a battery backup would be inoperable.

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

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

Have you ever had a water heater fail in the past? Or perhaps you’ve experienced power outages that have prevented your water heater from working? Maybe you’ve tried to shower without realizing that everyone else in your family had just showered, leaving your water cold? If you’ve ever been without hot water, you know exactly how miserable it is.

Most of the time, we don’t think about our water heaters until there is a problem. Unfortunately, failing to plan ahead could leave you in cold water.

Just like any other major home system, a water heater is meant to be maintained annually in order to function optimally and last as long as possible. Here are some of the rewards that come with a well-maintained water heater.

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Fewer Repairs

When a professional comes to provide water heater services in Orlando, FL, they will address any existing issues or concerns. When a problem is caught early, the solution is simpler, faster, and less expensive than it might otherwise become. But without maintenance, the wear and tear of running the water heater can gradually worsen a small problem until it requires a much more extensive repair, potentially leaving you without hot water until you can have it fixed.

Energy Efficiency

The regular strain of being in constant use can slowly lessen the efficiency of a water heater. With a tune-up, the efficiency can be improved. Since your water heater may account for more than 15% of the energy use in your home, that improvement could mean a significant decrease in energy usage. This can decrease your utility bills while maintaining the same level of reliable comfort. It can also give you the satisfaction of knowing that your reduced fuel use is better for the environment.

Postponing Replacement

The cost and inconvenience of researching and purchasing a new water heater and having it installed is not something you want to deal with sooner than necessary. When a water heater is maintained annually, it lasts much longer than one that is not. In fact, a regularly-maintained water heater can easily last more than fifteen years. It would be better to have several more years of hot water, worry-free, rather than let your water heater deteriorate.

Safety

Although water heaters are generally safe, you can’t be sure about one that’s been quietly deteriorating for years. A qualified technician can ensure that your water heater doesn’t pose any safety risk. When any appliance combusts fuel, there is a risk that the fuel could leak or that the appliance could emit carbon monoxide. With regular maintenance, you can put your mind at ease, knowing that your safety is in good hands.

Safety is also the most important reason for choosing a qualified, experienced plumber rather than attempting any repairs on your water heater yourself. A mistake is all too easy to make when you don’t have extensive training, and that could result in damage to the system or water leaks, or worse, gas leaks or injury. You can rely on our team to keep you, your home, and your water heater safe.

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

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

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

There’s a big difference between “professional drain cleaning” and just “drain cleaning.” Professional plumbers have access to a number of special tools that are different sizes, training, and experience in order to handle even the most clogged up drains. Homeowners, on the other hand, can sometimes spend hours upon hours trying to relieve even a moderate drain clog with no success. This is why we need to call attention to the difference.

We know that professional drain cleaning is more expensive than addressing a problem yourself. But when you spend ten hours and miss a day of work trying to relieve a stubborn clog, instead of calling a trained pro to get the job done in two, are you really saving that much money in the long run?

The answer is no, but we’ll get into the specifics below.

Better Tools for the Job

Professional plumbers just have better tools for the job at hand. A lot of equipment that a plumber uses isn’t available cheaply for homeowners to buy—and why would they? If you only ever use a hydro jetting system once or twice in your life, then you’re not getting your money’s worth if you decided to buy it yourself.

Professionals have these tools and they’re in great shape and used often. They’re also specifically trained to use this equipment, so it takes minimal time for them to address your stuck drain.

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Experience Goes a Long Way

Not every home looks or operates the same. Your home might be a unique one, and you won’t find that out by searching for a guide online. Professional plumbers have seen everything, and their experience can be invaluable when running into a particularly stubborn or stuck drain. Or, if you’re nervous about your drain leaking and running into problems, then a professional plumber can be the right person to evaluate the drain and give you their opinion.

Calculate the Cost Yourself!

For homeowners who really want to save every penny, here’s a good tip. Try calculating the cost in time and money when you try to fix something yourself. If it takes you twenty hours and a lot of stress to clear a drain clog, then we want you to think of those hours as work hours. Imagine you were being paid during that time, how much would you charge? Plumbing problems can be frustrating, time-consuming, and take a lot longer for people who don’t have training. This means that you’ll be spending more time and essentially more money trying to clear a drain clog yourself.

And that doesn’t even get to the cost of parts and equipment you have to buy if you want to do this on your own. What we’re trying to say is: professional drain cleaning services get things done quickly, efficiently, and at as little cost to you as possible. When doing this work on your own, all bets are off.

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

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

No one enjoys dealing with commercial plumbing issues. Not only can it get very messy, but depending on the problem, it can be an expensive fix. If you’re hesitant about calling a professional plumber right away, then your next best solution is to resolve the plumbing issue yourself.

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When Should I Schedule My Furnace Maintenance?

You’ve probably heard time and time again from your local HVAC company that a furnace maintenance is important to schedule every year. Despite being told this, most homeowners forgo maintenance as long as the equipment is working as it should be. However, just like your car needs regular oil changes, your furnace needs regular tune-ups. In this blog, we will cover the importance of furnace maintenances, what a maintenance entails, and when you should schedule yours.

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Why Are Furnace Maintenances So Important?

Furnace maintenances are important for a number of reasons. First, they prolong the life of your system. The better shape your furnace is in, the longer it will last. In fact, annual maintenance can prolong the life of your heating equipment by up to 10 years. Second, it’s important to the health of you and your family. Your furnace circulates warm air throughout your home, but if it’s not well-maintained, it’ll circulate dust and other particles, too.  By catching small problems before they become serious and costly, you’re improving your safety and comfort. Thirdly, it helps prevent repairs. Did you know up to 70% of heating repairs can be prevents with proper maintenance? Neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive repairs, breakdowns, and other problems that are easily avoidable. And last but not least, it helps improve efficiency. Your furnace needs annual maintenance to run efficiently. A dirty air filter, for example, can decrease efficiency because it restricts airflow and causes your entire HVAC system to work harder. That’s why we recommend you change your air filter every 1-3 months.

What Does A Furnace Maintenance Entail?

A professional HVAC technician will arrive at your home, ready to perform a number of maintenance tasks. They’ll make sure your unit is clean and free of mildew, mold, dust, pollen and other contaminants that impact your health and overall indoor air quality. They will check and clean the burners and heat exchanger, replace any dirty air filters, lubricate the blow fan motor bearings, and check the electrical connections throughout your system. Most technicians, like the ones at Cool Touch, will also check your ductwork and closely inspect your air handler to make sure they’re working properly, too. A furnace maintenance, when done professionally and properly, will ensure your system runs efficiently and remains effective for years to come.

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So, When Should I Schedule Mine?

Now for the million dollar question – when should you schedule your annual furnace maintenance? The best time of year to schedule yours is before you need your furnace the most. A lot of homeowners wait until winter, or until an HVAC breakdown happens, which isn’t recommended. The last thing you want to deal with is no heat on the chilliest day of the year. We recommend you schedule your maintenance in the early fall and conversely, your AC in the early spring. That’s because HVAC technicians are less likely to be tied up and busy with emergency calls around these times and it shouldn’t be too difficult to get on the schedule right away.

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