With a focus on cleanliness to keep the spread of viruses down, many people in Etobicoke and Mississauga stocking up on items such as toilet paper and Lysol wipes. But we are not here today to talk about panic buying. We are here to talk about these specific items. One is OK to flush down the toilet, while the other is not.

When using disinfecting wipes, baby wipes, etc., they should be disposed of in the garbage and never by flushing them down the toilet.

Flushing wipes down the toilet can lead to clogged pipes and, most likely, a costly repair job. And while plumbers are considered essential workers, it does not help your social distancing efforts when you have to call tradespeople into your home – especially over something that was easily preventable.

Don’t believe them when they say they are “flushable”!

At D. Jason Plumbing, we have conducted a number of repairs in Etobicoke and Mississauga after members of a household repeatedly flushed so-called flushable wipes. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that theses “flushable” wipes are really not flushable at all.

In fact, when multiple households are flushing wipes down the toilet, they can get caught in the main sewer line and accumulate into large clogs or masses called “fatbergs.” Does that sound gross to you? It should! They’re nasty!

But they are more than nasty; they are expensive. It is estimated that every year municipalities spend about $250 million on unclogging sewer lines of these fatbergs. That is $250 million of your tax dollars that might otherwise have been spent repairing roads or improving social services.

And now with more and more people buying disinfecting wipes as we all do our best to sanitize and stop the spread of COVID-19, there is the very real danger municipalities will have to have these clogs cleared more often and the cost for that clearing will increase.

Help protect essential workers during COVID-19.

Residential and commercial plumbers, as well as water and wastewater utility workers, provide essential services in Etobicoke and Mississauga. They help ensure that we all have running and safe water, which is particularly crucial during this pandemic.

But when these workers get called on to deal with clogs caused by disinfecting wipes, it takes them away from their primary duties and can put undue stress on the entire system. It also potentially exposes them to increased contact with other people, which in turn increases the likelihood of COVID-19 being spread.

These workers need to remain on the job during this time, but we can all do our part to help protect them. Damage and blockages to plumbing and sewer lines caused by flushing wipes is 100% preventable. So, let’s keep the wipes out of the pipes!

D. Jason Plumbing is here for you during COVID-19

Even though we are under quarantine, there may still be a time when you will need to call a plumber – because some plumbing problems simply can’t wait. Whether you have a leaky pipe, are in need of a hot water heater repair, or yes – even if someone in your household has mistakenly been flushing Lysol wipes and has caused a clog – we are here for you. Call us today if you need a plumber in Etobicoke or Mississauga.

 

If you are a homeowner living in the Etobicoke or Mississauga area, at some point you are likely going to need a rooter service. Now, you may have heard the term “rooter service” before but you might not exactly know what it is or why you might need it.

What is rooter service?

“Rooter service” is named after the original problem that it was trying to solve – tree roots getting into sewer lines and clogging them. Today, however, rooter service – while it can still be used to address pesky tree roots – is a generic term for resolving any clogs or slow draining water in your home.  Think of it as a drain cleaning service.

In the old days of rooter service, a rooter machine was used that originally designed using a washing machine motor to thread a long pipe through a sewer line in order to push out tree roots. Today, rooter machines may still be used but there are also other methods of clearing pipes and drains are used such as a professional plumber’s snake or hydro-jetting which blasts water through the lines in order to clear them. The tool used will be determined by where the clog is located and how serious it is.

When do you need rooter service?

There are several instances where you might need rooter service for your Etobicoke or Mississauga home. If you notice that you have a clog or slow-moving drain in only one part of your home, the likely cause is debris that has filled up in the pipe or drain – think food debris in the kitchen sink or hair in the bathtub drain. In these cases, you may be able to clear the drain yourself. A simple snake or plunger may be enough to do the job or for more stubborn clogs, you might still need to call a professional.

If you have a larger clog – say in your sewer line – however, it is likely to affect all areas of your home and may even cause back-ups when you run the washing machine or flush one of your toilets. In the most severe cases, you could even experience flooding and your home being exposed to untreated sewage. These types of back-ups should be considered plumbing emergencies as not only can they do significant damage to your home and your belongings, but this also poses a health hazard as well.

These larger blockages can be caused by tree roots and other debris as well as corrosion.  Our plumbing contractors have the inspection drain tools to find the heart of the problem fast!

No matter the cause though, this is a matter that needs to be addressed with a professional rooter service.

Rooter service near me – Drain repair Toronto

If you require rooter service in Etobicoke or Mississauga, you can rely on the professional team at D. Jason Plumbing. We have been serving commercial and residential clients in the GTA since 1988. Our technicians and plumbers are some of the most highly trained in the business and we use the latest technologies and best practices to ensure you get a high-quality rooter service every time. Call us today for more information.

Most people in the Toronto area, when they realize that they are going to need a plumbing repair, get a little nervous. They are often worried about damage to wood and drywall that they might not be able to see. And they are almost always worried about how much-said plumbing repair is going to cost them.

But before you start wondering whether or not you are going to have to take out a second mortgage, take a breath. Yes, certain types of plumbing repairs can be pricey, but many are less than you think. And regardless of the type of repair that you need, the sooner you get it attended to, the less expensive it is likely to be.

Let’s take a look at a few of the factors that go into the cost of plumbing repairs in the Toronto area.

Cost of Labour

Usually, the most significant price factor in any plumbing job is labour. Simple jobs like unclogging a drain will cost you less in labour than more time-consuming and complex jobs such as installing a new water heater.

And if you need emergency plumbing services outside of regular business hours, that will generally add to the cost of labour too. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should never call a 24/7 emergency plumber – plumbing emergencies are usually things like flooding or a burst pipe that will end up being even more costly if you wait until the plumbing business opens in the morning!

Cost of Parts

The next significant factor that goes into the price of plumbing repairs is new parts. Some jobs – like fixing a clog – don’t require any new parts. Other jobs may require only a small, inexpensive part, such as a rubber seal. Still, other jobs, require very expensive parts – such as replacing a water heater or pipes.

The complexity of the Job

Although we have already touched on the comparison in the complexity of different jobs (unclogging a drain vs. installing a water heater), you may be surprised to learn that there can also be variances in complexity for the same job in different homes.

Take, for example, installing a sewer line. For some homes, this job is made easier by the fact that the mainline is in close proximity to the connecting line. For other homes, the connecting line might have to cover a greater distance, and because of this, the price will be higher.

This is why your plumber may have to come to your home to give you a quote for certain jobs.

How plumbing repairs can save you money

While people are often concerned about how much a plumbing repair is going to cost them in the short term, they sometimes forget how much it can save them in the long term. For starters, plumbing problems – especially leaks – can cause damage to other parts of your home. So, the early you have plumbing repairs made, the less it will cost overall.

Secondly, some plumbing repairs can help improve the energy efficiency of your home and help you save money on your utility bills. Did you know that water-saving toilets, faucets and showerheads can reduce your water usage by as much as 70%? Furthermore, there are often rebates available to help you set off the cost of these repairs even more!

At D. Jason Plumbing, we always strive to give our customers quality work at a fair price. If you need plumbing repairs in the Toronto area, contact us today.

Sewer camera inspections are a great way for both homeowners and plumbers to find out what’s going on in a home’s pipes without having to rely on guesswork. Although sewer inspection is something that residents of Etobicoke and Mississauga rarely think of, there are certain times when it is something that is absolutely recommended that they do.

1. Sewer Inspections for Buying a Home

Most new home buyers know that they should get a home inspection before closing on a house. But they should also get a sewer inspection. This is especially important if you are purchasing an older home in Etobicoke or Mississauga that has a lot of trees on or near the property. A simple sewer inspection can let you know if there are any clogs or damage to the pipes underground and can save you a lot of heartache after you move into your new home.

2. Slow Drains or Clogged Drains

Do you constantly find yourself standing in a pool of water when you take a shower? Or do you have a toilet that gets clogged on a regular basis? If you have ruled out other explanations, then the cause might be in your sewer lines. An inspection might locate a clog that is causing issues.

3. Fluctuating Water Pressure & Sewer Issues

When you have low or fluctuating water pressure, the result can be unsatisfying showers or ineffective washing machines and dishwashers. Fluctuating water pressure is often caused by a leaky pipe near the source, but it can also be caused by a leaking sewer line. A sewer inspection can locate leaks that may be causing your water pressure to fluctuate.

4. Foundation Leak Caused by Sewer Pipe

There are several potential causes of foundation leaks and one of these is a leaking sewer line underneath the foundation. But since it is expensive and impractical to dig up these pipes just to find out whether there is a problem, you will want to have a sewer camera inspection before you begin potentially unnecessary renovations.

5. It has been a while since your last sewer inspection.

Finally, you might want to have a sewer inspection as part of your regular home maintenance. Because sewer repairs can be very costly, it makes good economic sense to look for small issues and correct them before they become major issues. With a sewer camera inspection, your plumber can look for clogs, leaks, tree roots and other potential damage in order to help you avoid a more costly repair in the future.

Contact D. Jason Plumbing today!

Whether you are purchasing a new home in Etobicoke or Mississauga, having plumbing issues with your current home, or simply want a sewer inspection as a form of maintenance, the team at D. Jason Plumbing can help. Contact us today to arrange for a camera sewer inspection.

As of early 2012, the 125 Million USD Kitec Settlement became final, providing eligible homeowners with the ability to apply for recovery. Over the last seven years, less than $3 million has been paid in claims.

With the January 9, 2020 deadline fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know if you’re a property owner interested in applying.

Background Information on the Kitec Settlement

Used in hot and cold water supplies for plumbing fixtures from 1995 – 2007, Kitec was a popular brand of plastic piping. More affordable and easier to install than copper piping, Kitec was used for potable water, in-floor and hot-water baseboard heating systems. Also known as PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA and WarmRite, Kitec can be identified by coverings that were bright orange (hot water) and bright blue (cold water) or by an “ASTM 1281” label.

Over time, Kitec was prone to deterioration, leading to its recall and involvement in many lawsuits across North America.

As of January 10, 2012, the 125 Million USD Kitec Settlement became active. With twenty percent of the settlement designated for legal fees, notices and other administration, $100 million is left over to pay claims for damage caused by Kitec fixtures and pipes.

Plenty of settlement money is still available. An estimated almost 300,000 North American homes contain Kitec product, yet less than 5,000 building owners having received compensation to date.

However, a lack of awareness about the settlement or frustration with the paperwork process may be the reason so few eligible applicants seek compensation.

What to Do If You Have Kitec Plumbing

Known for causing plumbing piping to disintegrate, malfunctioning Kitec piping can cause plumbing system failures, leaks and flooding. Having Kitec plumbing in your home can affect its resale value.

It’s recommended that Kitec plumbing be replaced with “L” copper piping or “Uponor Aqua Pex Pipes.” The price for such a retrofit varies, ranging from $5,000 for small homes to over $10,000 for larger homes. Costs include replacing fittings and pipes and repairing paint and drywall.

How to Apply for Recovery

To complete a claim, this detailed form must be completed in full. If the form is incomplete or otherwise insufficient, additional information will be requested to continue to the claim process. Proof of payment for Kitec repairs must be included as well as a sample of a Kitec failed fitting or a one-foot long pipe sample removed during the repair.

If you have not yet experienced a leak from your Kitec plumbing, you should still file a claim form. If there are sufficient funds remaining in the settlement at the end of the claims filing period, you may become eligible for compensation.

Before submitting your Claim Form, ensure you make a photocopy of the paperwork to be submitted.

Need help determining if you’re eligible to receive some of the Kitec Settlement? Contact our office today for more information.

As a homeowner, there are items around your home that you replace or upgrade over time. It’s easy to know when to upgrade the items such as flooring or furniture because you can see them starting to wear out. But when was the last time you checked on the behind the scenes things like plumbing?

When it comes to checking in on your home’s water pipes, it’s not always a quick or easy project. You usually have to pull up flooring or tear open walls. There are, however, a handful of signs that it may be time to upgrade your plumbing.

Discoloured Water

There are some situations where discoloured water is relatively normal such as when you are on well water or are under a boil order. If these don’t apply to you, then dark or brown water is a cause for water quality concern.

Water becomes dark when your pipes are corroded, and the rust inside the pipe reflects in the water. If the corrosion is left untreated, then the resulting mineral deposits can clog the pipes, building up pressure since water can’t flow through at the regular flow rate. Eventually, the pipes will burst, which will cause extreme damage. If you think your pipes are corroded, it’s important to call in a plumber immediately.

If your pipes coming in are corroded, you’ll also want to investigate the pipes going out to the sewer system.

Low Water Pressure

When it comes to low water pressure, it can be tough to determine what the actual problem is. The cause could be as simple as a small clog somewhere, or your pipes could have small leaks which is a more serious problem.

If you have water in places it shouldn’t be, it can lead to rot or significant foundation issues. If the water is left, and the pipes continue to leak, it could lead to mould growing within your home.

If you have low water pressure, you can try using a regular drain cleaner and see if it helps bring the pressure back up. If you continue to experience issues, it’s recommended you call a plumber.

Exposed Piping is Showing its Age

If your home is about 60 years old (or more), chances are you will have some areas with exposed pipes. Usually, this will be in the unfinished area of the basement. These exposed portions can give you a pretty good idea as to the condition of the rest of the piping that you can’t see in the house.

When you check the pipes, you should look for discoloured areas, flaking or bumps. If you see any moisture accumulation, then it could be a sign of corrosion or that the pipes that aren’t sealed properly.  If you have Kitec plumbing, that should be addressed as well.

If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, it is a good idea to call D Jason Plumbing today.  We offer full camera inspections to quickly understand what your drinking water issue might be.