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There’s never a convenient time for plumbing emergencies. Knowing what to expect and what to do when they happen will help you minimize their impact on your life and property. Here are six of the most common plumbing emergencies.

Overflowing Toilet

Whether your toilet is clogged or has a malfunctioning float mechanism, the first step to take is shutting off the water flow. The water valve is located at the bottom of the water line on the side of the toilet and should be turned counterclockwise. Once you stop the water flowing into the toilet, the mechanism failure or clog can be addressed. Unclogging a toilet may be as simple as applying firm vertical pressure with a plunger.

More severe clogs may require an auger (or “snake”), which can be used to fish out debris blocking the flow of water. Once the debris is eliminated, twist on the water valve and reset the float device.

Clogged Sink Drain

The primary way to avoid a clogged sink drain is to deter people from dumping coffee grounds, grease, and other dense waste down your drain. Unfortunately, even the most careful homeowner sometimes has to deal with this nuisance.

If using a plunger to clear material from the drain does not work, you may require an auger. An auger is simple to use with a bit of practice and determination.

Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can release up to 100 gallons in eight hours, making it by far the most damaging plumbing emergency. Corrosion over the years can often lead to burst pipes. If a pipe does burst, shut off the water supply immediately. Relocate any furniture or other items, if possible, to minimize further damage.

Pipes are Leaking

Your approach to repairing a leaky pipe depends on where exactly the water is leaking. If the leak springs from the joint, first tighten the joint with a wrench. You may find that tightening one joint loosens another, so proceed with caution. If water leaks from the pipe, a rubber patch may do the trick. Another option is using waterproof tape over the leak.

Sump Pump Not Working

If the sump pump is not working, remove the screen to make sure debris is not preventing impeller movement. If the impeller is clear, your pump may not be receiving enough electricity or have a faulty float switch. If the pump has been running for an extended period of time, it may be shutting down due to thermal overload.

Water Heater Issue

Frequent water heater issues include:

• Water that is either too hot or too cold
• Noises coming from the water heater
• Water that has a strange color or odor
• A leaking tank

If the heater is leaking, call Toshack for assistance. If there is no leak, flushing the water tank may solve color and odor problems and improve the heater’s efficiency.

SCHEDULE PLUMBING SERVICES TODAY!

For further information, Toshack is here to help! We have ninety years of experience serving Brockville, Kingston, and the surrounding areas. Generations of local families have relied on us for plumbing services, and we’re here for you as well.

Contact us to schedule a service appointment.

Homeowners know that plumbing issues can be a nuisance and difficult to resolve. Fortunately, many issues can be avoided with the right preventative measures. Reaching out to a local company offering plumbing services is always recommended if you are dealing with any major issues. Keeping a few things in mind can keep your plumbing system working at an optimal level while also saving you from a lot of stress.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent these common plumbing issues.

How to Avoid Tub & Shower Issues –

Keeping the tub and shower in great condition is easier than you might think. Apply these tips, and you might save yourself a call to local plumbing services.

Install a Strainer –

Install a strainer to prevent hair and other debris from causing clogs in the drain. Regular cleaning of the hair catcher will keep the water flowing smoothly.

Clean Shower Heads –

Shower heads can eventually become clogged because of mineral deposits. One way to avoid this issue is to flush the head with water and use vinegar to soak it overnight to loosen mineral buildup.

Check Tub Drain Stoppers –

Make sure that the tub drain stoppers are properly sealed. You can fill your tub with some water, mark the level of the water, and return at a later time to see if the water level is the same.

How to Avoid Bathroom Sink Problems –

The sink in a bathroom often sees a lot of use, and it can eventually experience problems. Fortunately, you can keep these issues to a minimum by following a few tips.

Regular Cleaning –

It’s vital to clean the sink regularly to prevent the buildup of any grime that can cause blockages. A clean sink is not only pleasing to the eye but can also prevent undesirable odors.

Check for Leaks –

Leaks can eventually happen over time. It’s a good idea to check your faucet and drainpipe for any potential leaks. Reaching out to local plumbing companies is important if you find any leaks or other issues.

How to Avoid Toilet Issues –

Toilet troubles can lead to a lot of headaches, but following these strategies can help you sidestep potential issues.

Proper Disposal of Waste –

Only toilet paper and human waste need to be flushed. Avoid disposing of other items, such as wipes, even if they are labeled as flushable. Following this rule will reduce the chances of experiencing a toilet clog.

Check for Any Leaks –

You will need to check around the base and the water tank for any signs of leaks every now and then. Early detection of leaks can save you from costly repairs in the future.

Need Plumbing Services? Reach Out to Our Team

Toshack offers a wide range of plumbing services. Our company has over 90 years of experience in the industry. Delivering quality plumbing services is always a priority.

Contact our team today and see why we are one of the leading plumbing companies!

Over the past few years, the plumbing industry has seen several trends come and go. From innovative tools improving work efficiency to advanced technologies employed for convenience, plumbing professionals have been using these trends to guide their core business decisions.

The invention of smart plumbing technologies has brought about a significant change in how homeowners and landlords handle plumbing problems through plumbing automation. By investing in this technology, whether you own a home or a rental property, you can potentially enjoy a range of benefits.

Benefits of Smart Plumbing Services and Technologies

Modern plumbing technologies are making it easier and more efficient to use water. Intelligent toilets and faucets are designed to reduce water waste, while advanced pipes made from materials like PVC or PEX are resistant to corrosion, leaking, and bursting. It means longer life spans for your fixtures and lower repair costs in the long run.

In addition to reducing water usage, modern plumbing also helps improve sanitation. For instance, hands-free faucets can prevent the spread of germs by eliminating contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

Finally, new technologies like augmented reality (AR) allow plumbers to diagnose problems faster and avoid making physical visits, saving time and money. AR allows technicians to analyze an issue remotely using their smart device to gain a visual understanding of the problem.

Current Smart Plumbing Services and Technologies

Plumbing technologies have come a long way in recent years. From modern smart toilets with heated seats, bidets, air deodorizers, night lights, and remote controls to touchless faucets that operate with just a wave of one’s hand, the latest advancements are designed to make our lives easier and more efficient while also helping us conserve water.

Smart toilets even offer automatic cleaning features and other valuable functions to help eliminate germs. However, these pieces of technology come at a cost. Nevertheless, the convenience and comfort they provide may be well worth it.

Trends in Smart Plumbing Services and Technologies

Voice-activated systems are becoming increasingly popular in the plumbing industry. From controlling your shower temperature to starting a cycle in your washing machine, voice commands can make life easier and more efficient.

On top of that, gadgets like leak detectors and water shutoff valves allow you to monitor your water usage from anywhere in the world. These devices can be connected to a smartphone or other smart device and programmed to alert you when there is an issue with your system.

The benefits of these technologies don’t stop there; some even come equipped with sensors that detect movement, temperature, and humidity levels – which can help protect your home from floods or fires caused by water damage.

Schedule Plumbing Services Today!

Those are the basics of smart plumbing services and technologies. For further information, Toshack is here to help! We have ninety years of experience serving Brockville, Kingston, and the surrounding areas. Generations of local families have relied on us for plumbing services, and we’re here for you as well.

Contact us to schedule a service appointment.

Have you ever thought about how the plumbing in your home actually works, such as how water moves in and out? It’s good to have a basic idea of your plumbing setup, especially if you need to call for plumbing services in Kingston. That will help you understand what’s going wrong, and potentially help the plumber know where to start looking.

So, let’s talk about how typical home plumbing systems are built.

An Overview of Your Home Plumbing System

To begin, it’s best to see your home plumbing as being two separate systems: one for bringing clean water into your home, and another for taking dirty water away from it. These systems do not directly connect, except via fixtures and appliances where you use water – such as clean water coming from your faucet, and dirty water draining out.

1. Incoming Water

Water entering your home comes in through a single large pipe, called the main water supply line or, more often, just the “water main.” This water is under pressure from the source so that it can circulate freely around your house.

The source is typically from a local municipal water treatment plant, although it could potentially also come from a private well or other natural sources.

One of the first stops of this incoming water flow is your water heater, typically in the basement. The water flow splits, so that some is diverted into the heater, while the rest of the water remains “cold” and ready for easy access. If you have a water softening system, or other in-home water treatment, incoming water is passed through it at this point as well. From here, the pipes in your home are split in two, with one set of lines carrying cold water and the other carrying hot.

If you use a tankless water heater, the setup is a bit different, as tankless heaters just pull from the cold water as needed. Either way, at this point the water is ready to use!

2. Outgoing Water

The wastewater system in your home is relatively simple. A separate set of pipes connecting to all your various water-using fixtures and appliances funnels all the wastewater into a single large pipe, which then sends the wastewater away from your home.

However, many people don’t know there’s a second set of pipes for gas venting. Wastewater, especially material coming from the toilet, generates gases that are unpleasant, or even dangerous. So, there are smaller pipes coming off of the wastewater pipes which lead upwards to your attic or roof. These open into small vents which release the waste gas harmlessly into the outside air.

Those are the basics of how your plumbing system works – and if you ever have problems with any of it, Toshack is here to help! We have ninety years of experience serving Brockville, Kingston, and the surrounding areas. Generations of local families have relied on us for plumbing services, and we’re here for you as well.

Contact us to schedule a service appointment.

Clogged drains can be a nightmare for any restaurant owner or manager. They disrupt operations, cause unpleasant odours, and create unsanitary conditions. When faced with a drain blockage, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly and effectively. That’s where professional plumbing services come into play. With their expertise and specialized tools, experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose and resolve drain clogs, restoring the smooth operation of your restaurant’s plumbing system.

On this page, Toshack, a professional plumbing company in Ontario, dives into the common causes of clogged drains in restaurants and highlights the importance of relying on professional plumbing services to tackle these challenges.

What Causes Clogged Drains in Restaurants?

Clogged drains are common in a restaurant setting. Here are the two most likely reasons a restaurant may experience clogged drains:

1. Grease build-up. This can occur from washing dishes in the sink or from untouched food being thrown out.
2. Garbage disposal. Garbage and other waste may go down the drain of restaurant sinks which causes build-up and eventual clogging.

What to Do When Your Drain is Clogged

To maintain the proper functioning of drains in your restaurant, it’s important to remember that they are designed solely for wastewater disposal. Kitchen drains should never be used as a dumping ground for food scraps, and toilets should only be used for flushing toilet paper. To avoid kitchen drain clogs, ensure thorough employee training on proper waste disposal. Similarly, prevent toilet clogs by equipping bathrooms with suitable disposal units and politely reminding customers to dispose of garbage and sanitary items appropriately.

Despite training and customer reminders, grease-related drain clogs can still occur. Grease traps can be effective in preventing such blockages, but regular cleaning is essential. To tackle grease-related drain issues, it’s advisable to hire a professional plumbing company like Toshack in Ontario. They can clean your restaurant’s grease trap every few months, ensuring optimal drain functionality and preventing potential blockages caused by grease buildup.

Do You Need Plumbing Services at Your Restaurant?

Call us at Toshack! Whether you have a minor plumbing issue or a major project, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced and licensed plumbers are equipped to handle a wide range of plumbing needs, from installing complete bathrooms to repairing leaky faucets, upgrading kitchens, or even facilitating hot tub installations.

At Toshack, we also collaborate closely with various insurance companies in the Kingston, Brockville, and Smiths Falls regions, offering plumbing repair services in the aftermath of residential or commercial insurance claims. Rest assured that our expert plumbing professionals are dedicated to providing top-notch service and solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Reach out to us today for a free quote!

How to Unclog Restaurant Sink Drains and Floor Drains

Backups in commercial kitchen drains are usually due to what is referred to as FOG—Fat, Oil, and Grease that make their way down the drain. As they cool, the liquids solidify, clogging the drain. These clogs need to be addressed as soon as possible, so your employees can get back to work and also prevent major damage to the pipes.

First, attempt to remove the blockage with a plunger. If that doesn’t work, try a plumbing snake, sometimes called a drain snake, a small, flexible tool used to break up clogs that won’t respond to a plunger. Sometimes, running hot water is enough to dissolve the grease clogging the drain. Or you can try pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. This home remedy is often less effective but is a good first step to test how stuck the drain is in the first place.

Our plumbing services team advises against using drain cleaning solutions, even well-known brands. These chemicals may be effective in the short run, but if you are not careful they can damage your pipes, requiring costly repairs. Also, never try to clean a drain with bleach. While it may kill germs and get rid of odours, bleach will not dissolve clogs. And any bleach that is left behind in the pipes could turn into a hazardous gas if mixed with another chemical, like ammonia.

How to Prevent Disasters

The best restaurant drain cleaning strategy is to take preventative measures to prevent clogs in the first place.

• Never put food scraps, grease, or oil down the drain. It’s only a matter of time before they build up in the drain and cause a clog.
• Use drain covers. Drain covers are a simple way to prevent large pieces of food and debris from accidentally washing down the drain.
• Use grease traps. Grease traps prevent FOGs from accumulating in a restaurant’s pipes. They’re designed to give greasy water that’s poured down the drain a chance to cool. Then, the oils solidify and float to the surface while the water continues down the pipes to the sewer system.

Fixing Restaurant Drain Clogs

Whether you have a plumbing emergency or have big plumbing renovation plans, we are ready. Give Toshack a ring at 1-888-547-6162 or at 613-342-9381 or contact us through our online form and we’d be happy to meet your plumbing needs.  You can also request a free quote!

Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and cause significant damage to your home if not addressed promptly. Even a small leak can quickly escalate into a major issue. It is important to call plumbing services in Kingston, Brockville immediately if you encounter a plumbing emergency.

Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common plumbing emergency that can occur in areas with cold winters, such as Kingston. When water freezes in a confined space, such as a pipe, it expands, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst. These issues can cause significant water damage when the pipe thaws in the spring.

Proper winterization of your plumbing can help to prevent frozen pipes, but sometimes they may still occur. In the event of a frozen pipe, it is important to call plumbing services in Kingston as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent further damage.

Flooding

Spring flooding can be a major concern for homeowners in certain areas of Kingston, especially if their homes are prone to water buildup or if they have basements. It is important to ensure that your sump pump is working properly to prevent flooding in your home. If it isn’t functioning properly, water can accumulate in the ground and potentially flood your basement, causing damage to your home and potentially affecting your electrical system.

In the event of a flood or water buildup in your home, it is important to act quickly and call a professional plumber to address the issue and prevent further damage. This is a plumbing emergency that should be treated as a priority.

A Backed-Up Sewer System

A sewer system backup is a serious plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Sewer backups can cause health hazards and can quickly lead to further damage in your home.

Sewer lines can become clogged for various reasons and need to be addressed promptly to prevent further issues. If you notice sewage or other wastewater coming up through your bathtub or other drains, it is important to call a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Ignoring this problem can lead to serious health and sanitation issues, as well as costly repairs. It is important to treat a sewer system backup as an emergency and take swift action to resolve the issue.

Request A Free Quote Today!

Whether you need plumbing services in Kingston or HVAC repair, Toshack has the services you need. Contact us today and get a free quote!

It’s no secret that the freezing temperatures of winter can be harsh on your plumbing system. The excessive cold can freeze the water in your pipes, which can lead to problems ranging from tiny leaks to flooding. These problems, if not checked and mended in a timely fashion, can cost you a fortune in terms of repairs and losses.

To avoid the same, it’s important to have basic knowledge of how to deal with frozen pipes. Toshack explains all the main points in this quick blog.

Identifying Frozen Water Pipes

The foremost step to treating the problem of frozen pipes is being able to identify them. There are some common signs that hint toward frozen pipes, such as interrupted water flow from faucets, frost, or lumps on pipes, etc. If you notice any of these problems in your plumbing system, it might be time to call a plumbing professional.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

Thawing your frozen pipes involves melting the frozen water that is blocking your pipes. To do so, you first need to turn off your house’s water supply. Once this is done, use a heating device (such as a heat lamp or hair dryer) to introduce heat around the pipe. As the heat comes in contact with the frozen water, it will start to melt. Be prepared with mops and towels to soak up the water from the pipe.

While you can thaw frozen pipes yourself using this method, it’s usually best to employ professional plumbing services for efficient and smooth work.

How To Handle a Pipe Bursting?

Call for professional plumbing services right away!

A situation like this is best handled by experts. While waiting for the plumber to arrive, you can clean up the water that has leaked from the pipe to safeguard your possessions from water damage. If your house is flooded or the damage is severe, it may be a good idea to call your insurance agent as well.

Get Quality Plumbing Services in Brockville and Kingston!

Toshack offers expert plumbing services in Brockville, Kingston, and the surrounding areas. You can also visit our website to book premium HVAC services and check out our blog section for top tips on HVAC systems. Request a FREE quote today!

When it comes to plumbing, there are a lot of different types of pipes that can be used. Each type of pipe has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, which is why it’s important to know about them all. The first thing you need to know are the different types of plumbing pipes and what they are used for. You also need to know how to choose the right type of pipe for your needs. However, it is always best to consult professional plumbing services in Kingston and Brockville before doing anything yourself to avoid issues and further damage to your pipes.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are some of the most common types of plumbing pipes. They are often used for water supply lines and have a high resistance to corrosion. Copper pipes can also be soldered together, which makes them a good option for joints that need to be watertight. However, copper pipes are also expensive and can be difficult to work with.

Metal Pipes

Most pipes are made out of metal because it is a durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Metal pipes are also good for carrying both hot and cold water. However, metal pipes can corrode over time and may not be the best option for areas with a lot of acidic water.

Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes are a popular choice for plumbing because they are affordable and durable. They are also lightweight and easy to work with, which makes them a good option for tight spaces. However, plastic pipes can be susceptible to cracking and may not be suitable for carrying hot water.

Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (PVC Pipes) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Pipes

PVC pipes and ABS pipes are both made from plastic, but they have different properties. PVC pipes are rigid and can be used for both water supply and drainage lines. ABS pipes are flexible and often used for drainage lines because they can withstand high amounts of stress.

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are made from a type of plastic that is resistant to corrosion and freezing. They are often used for water supply lines because they are durable and can withstand high water pressure. PEX pipes are also easy to install, which makes them a popular choice for DIY plumbing projects.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are made from steel that has been coated in zinc. This makes the pipe resistant to corrosion and rust. Galvanized steel pipes are often used for drainage lines because they are durable and can withstand high amounts of stress.

Kingston & Brockville Plumbing Services

If you’re looking for plumbing services in Kingston or Brockville, don’t wait – contact Toshack today to get the best plumbing services for your home or business. We can help you choose the right type of pipe for your needs and install it quickly and efficiently.

When you hear the word plumbing, the first things that probably come to your mind are leaky faucets and damaged pipes. But there is so much more to the world of plumbing than just that. While many may think of plumbing as strictly water-related services, plumbing is actually a term that includes a lot more. Some activities that fall under plumbing are installation, repair, and maintenance of washing machines, boilers, heating systems, and even furnaces!

Common Plumbing Services in Brockville and Kingston

• Garbage Disposal Plumbing System

A garbage disposal plumbing system is designed to make garbage disposal more streamlined and easy. The system works to collect all big and small garbage pieces and shred them to a size that can easily flow through the drainage pipes without causing any damage or clogs.

• Sewer Line Services

Clogged sewer lines can cause a lot of drainage issues and water problems if left unchecked. In case you suspect a blockage, contact a professional plumber as soon as you can. They will typically clean out your sewers with a jet vacuum to ensure the blockage is gone. A jet vacuum is a device that can be inserted directly into the lines.

• Unblocking Drains

Blocked drains are a common problem in many households face. If ignored for long periods, these blockages can lead to a drainage malfunction and cause water to overflow, which can cause some serious damage.

To get rid of the blockage, you should first try to look for its cause. Whether you can or can’t find the root cause, it is always best to call in the experts. Professional plumbers can help you locate the problem and solve it quickly and efficiently.

• Hydro jetting

Hydro jetting refers to a type of drain cleaning service. In the case of severely blocked drains, water is flown at a very high pressure through the clogged pipes to remove the blockage. Since the water pressure is very high, it clears most drain and pipe issues.

• DIY Or Call a Professional?

If the problem is small, like a mildly blocked drain, DIY solutions might just be enough to clear it up. You can easily find a number of DIY solutions online that work just fine to solve such problems successfully. However, other than a very minor clog or issue, it is best to consult a professional plumber rather than risking more damage and money by trying to do it yourself.

Plumbing Services in Kingston

Toshack offers top-quality plumbing services and professionals in Kingston and Brockville.

Contact us today to learn more and request a free quote on services!