HY-PRO PLUMBING AND DRAIN CLEANING BLOG

Your Local Source For Leak Detection, Ontario

Posted by Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning on February 10/2023 | 0Comments

When you suspect a leak, and it isn’t visible, the damage has already been done. Unfortunately, leaky pipes underground or behind concrete take their time before they make themselves apparent to you via warning signs. Whether you are experiencing a drop in water pressure or even clogged drain issues, you need professional inspection and leak detection. Ontario plumbers at Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning are experts in plumbing diagnosis and inspection services. What may take you weeks or a month to conclude, we can determine the root cause within an hour with our specialist tools.

From slab leaks to a sewer leaks, trust our local pros to bring the relevant expertise, experience and professional equipment to quickly diagnose the underlying problem and offer fast, long-lasting plumbing solutions to recover your pipework’s original function. When you experience telltale signs of a hidden water leak, call our knowledgeable office team at 877-554-9776 to schedule an appointment for leak detection! Ontario residents are in the hands of experts!

About Our Ontario Leak Detection Service

You might call certain warning signs subtle. But in our eyes, they are insidious, as they will creep up on you, indicating that they’re capable of doing more damage than already done. When you hire Hy-Pro Plumbing’s Ontario leak detection experts, they will utilize their professional equipment to get down to the source of the leak.

Leaks typically originate from buildup, such as clogs, but corrosion on metal pipes, such as copper, is also a possibility. One of the first steps we take is to use our video camera inspection tool to inspect a pipe’s interior and locate any blockages. A camera is mounted to a fiber optic cable and lowered into the pipe to inspect its condition. We’ll also be able to mark suspicious areas we believe could have a leak. Once our Ontario plumber has located the clog and determines that your drain line or water line is in good health, we’ll move on to using our hydro jetting device which we usually use for drain cleaning and sewer cleaning. It shoots pressurized water jets that break through blockages. It also cleans the inside of the pipe from buildup caused by calcium deposits, sludge, and even tree roots. Now your skilled plumber has a clear pathway to work with and can move on to using additional tools to investigate the leak issue.

Methods of Ontario Leak Detection

Ontario plumbers are highly trained professionals who rely on visuals and sounds. During a professional leak detection, Ontario homeowners will be introduced to the following plumbing tools by our licensed plumbers:

Thermographic Imaging

This is a very effective tool that people often compare to infrared imaging. But there is a huge difference between the two devices. Infrared imaging is merely a component of thermal radiation, which means it is already integrated into the thermal imaging tool. All objects naturally emit infrared energy, which you may also refer to as heat signature. But that alone is not enough to locate a leak. On the other hand, thermographic imaging provides you with temperature abnormalities in the form of heatmaps. So areas that show an increased abnormality of temperature fluctuation are likely the spots our Ontario leak detection experts are after.

Acoustic Listening

This device allows your certified plumber to sharpen their ears and listen carefully. When using acoustic leak detection, Ontario plumbers are able to differentiate leak sounds from natural water flow sounds. Acoustic measurements help us limit an area which we suspect needs repairs.

Soil Probe

Although soil probes have become less common these days, they are still in use. A long metal soil probe rod has a sensor that can measure the conductivity of soil, which means it shows different responses to wet or dry soil. It is a slightly more time-consuming process, but they can come in handy when you want to check for soil activity in your area.

Why Hire Hy-Pro Plumbing For Leak Detection | Ontario, BC

The Hy-Pro Plumbing Plumbing brand has been going strong since the 2000s, when plumbing technology was already highly advanced but not yet widely available or in practice. But Hy-Pro Plumbing didn’t waste one minute thinking that a task was impossible. We always operate with the customer’s safety and well-being in mind. And thanks to technological advances in the plumbing industry, our Ontario plumbers are proud to be able to provide their local community with professional, high-quality plumbing services that have a proven track record of success!

Another reason why Ontario and surrounding areas, such as Hamilton, Oakville and Kitchener-Waterloo, choose Hy-Pro Plumbing Plumbing is that we have a dependable 24/7 emergency plumber on standby for emergency repair services. No matter if day or night, we’ll answer the phone even after hours because no one should be alone during a plumbing emergency. Your safety is our top priority, which is why Hy-Pro Plumbing does not charge overtime fees on emergency services. You can always expect our Ontario plumbers to deliver a high level of professionalism with guaranteed workmanship and superior customer service.

FAQs About Our Ontario Leak Detection Service

What Are The Warning Signs I Need Leak Detection?

Ontario homeowners who suspect a hidden pipe leak should pay attention to the following signs:

• Reduced water pressure (despite adjusting the pressure regulator)
• Musty smells
• Water meter acting up
• Mildew and mold growth
• Increased levels of humidity in home
• Hot spots on the floor in lower levels
• Damp walls
• Wall cracks
• Increased energy bills
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Hearing running water
• Leaking plumbing fixtures

Ontario leak detection services do not solely focus on busted water lines. Other serious occasions include a sewer line leak caused by the pressure of a clog or tree root intrusion. Here, the warning signs may include clogged drains. So during leak detection, Ontario service technicians will follow their usual inspection procedures as mentioned above. Starting with your household drain lines, they will then move further down to examine your sewer lateral.

What Is Hy-Pro Plumbing’s Leak Repair Procedure?

Suppose our service technicians discover a major leak underneath your concrete slab. In that case, we’ll have to further investigate the severity of the broken first and ensure the damaged line is still intact.

After inspection and leak detection, Ontario property owners will be offered the trenchless repair method which, unlike traditional excavation, is a minimally invasive repair method that occurs solely inside the pipe.

The common methods of trenchless technology include:

• Pipe Lining: An inflatable replacement liner is soaked in epoxy resin before it is guided into pipe to the damaged area. Once there, we’ll inflate the liner, so it sticks to the walls and cures in place. After about 48 hours your water line’s original functions will be restored.

• Pipe Bursting: The bursting method involves using hydraulic power to break the damaged line into small pieces. Two access holes are drilled, so we’re able to pull out the small pieces through one hole and pull a brand-new liner into place through the other hole. This method is regarded as a trenchless replacement.

Do I Need Leak Detection If My Shower Head Is Leaking?

That is a tricky one where the last resort involves taking down your tile wall installation. But before that, our technician will inspect your shower head for clogs. Because Ontario has a high level of water hardness, many households have installed water softeners. A softening system provides a more comfortable washing experience and also promotes the longevity of your household pipe by reducing the risk of calcium and magnesium buildup.

If cleaning your shower head and replacing its cartridge valve solves the problem, you should be fine. However, if it continues dripping, and you experience other warning signs, such as musty smells or cracked caulk in the area, you likely have a busted water line behind your tile wall. Your local plumber will be able to provide you with a quick leak detection.

Ontario homeowners are on the right track when they treat a leaky shower head or faucet with high suspicion. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Does Home Insurance Cover Leak Repairs?

If you have comprehensive home insurance coverage, you can expect your insurance company to cover some water damage mitigation, given that the incident happened suddenly and accidentally. But they don’t typically cover plumbing repairs. On the other hand, some agencies need proof that your broken pipe was originally installed by a professional and has been receiving regular maintenance. That said, you are lucky if your insurance coverage is ready to cover any type of leak repair for you.

Need Professional Leak Detection? Ontario Can Trust The Pros At Hy-Pro Plumbing!

Plumbing leaks are not only a nuisance, but they can be rather destructive when discovered too late. The best way to protect your home from costly repairs is to take action from the first moment you notice any strange activities. While a drop in water pressure could indicate problems with your water heater, it is also likely that you need professional leak detection.

Ontario residents are invited to call our friendly customer service representatives at 877-554-9776 to book an in-home appointment with one of our qualified plumbers. Take preventative measures today, and you will protect your home from a plumbing disaster tomorrow!

Read More

Plumbers Camera: Ins & Outs of Accurate Plumbing Diagnosis

Posted by Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning on January 08/2023 | 0Comments

When you have a sewer issue, clogged drain, or problem in your plumbing system, it can be challenging to identify the root cause of the trouble without tearing apart the walls or floors. A high-resolution plumbers camera is a useful tool that allows plumbers to identify the cause of plumbing problems quickly and accurately without causing any damage to your property.

Knowing how the plumbers camera works, what it can’t do, and how far it will go will help you decide when it is time to call the professionals in. At Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning , our experienced, professional staff and expert plumbers are trained in all kinds of sewer situations. We offer flexible scheduling, so call today at 1-877-554-9776 to discuss your situation and book an appointment.

How Do Plumbers Cameras Work?

A plumbers camera, also known as sewer camera inspection, is a pipe inspection camera with one tiny waterproof camera connected to about 300 feet of flexible in-length cable, much like a robotic drain snake. Also, a base with a monitor is attached, allowing plumbers to see real-time visualizations and record live-time footage if they chose.

The cable is inserted into the pipe through an access joint like a drain or clean out, allowing the cable to be maneuvered through, accessing hard-to-reach areas. The cable is then pushed through along the cable for a visual inspection of the inside of the pipe.

When using a plumbers camera, you can quickly and accurately diagnose problems within pipes or drains without having to resort to more invasive methods, such as digging up the pipes. This can save homeowners or businesses both time and money.

What Are Some Common Problems Found Using a Plumbers Camera?

A plumbers camera can be used for various reasons, from diagnosing pipe issues, assessing pipes if needed for insurance, purchasing a home or business, or curiosity. Here are some of the most common problems that have been found from slow draining sinks to toilets that don’t flush.

Blockages

The most common issue found with a sewer camera inspection has been a drain blockage. This could include things like debris, blockage of grease, sewer pipe buildup, or even tree roots that have grown into the pipes.

Corrosion

Over time, pipes can become corroded and start to deteriorate. A plumbers camera can help identify areas of corrosion, which can be important in determining where the pipes need to be replaced.

Bellied Pipes

Bellied pipes happen when the pipes have sagged or sunk, creating a low point or dip where water can collect and remain. This can cause a backup or lead to an eventual blockage. The plumbers’ camera can see where the pipe dips down, so they know where exactly the repair is needed.

Foreign Objects

Sometimes, foreign objects can find their way into the pipes. Objects not meant to go down drains can cause a major blockage and need to be located as they can cause pipe damage or other issues. A plumbers camera can help identify what the item is and its location so that it can be removed. Common foreign objects that have been found in pipes include waste flow, toys, paper, and feminine hygiene products.

What Can’t a Plumbers Camera Do?

Although it’s very useful and can do many things, one major thing it can’t do is locate a leak or determine if you have a leak in the first place.

There are three primary reasons why:

1. Limitations of the Camera

A plumbers camera can only see what is visible through the camera lens. If the leak occurs in a location that is not visible to the screen, such as behind a wall or under the ground, the camera and the monitor may not be able to see or detect it.

2. Type of Leak

There are different types of leaks, including slow leaks and intermittent leaks, which may not always be visible or detectable with a sewer camera inspection. A slow leak may not yield enough water to show up on the screen. Whereas an intermittent leak may not be leaking at the time the cable goes through the pipe, preventing the plumber from seeing it to locate it.

3. Other Factors

Other factors may affect its accuracy, such as debris, blockages, tree roots, or interference from other sources. A camera is limited to showing only what it can see. A plumber must use their camera and screen together to determine best what they are looking at, and if there is interference on the screen, then the leak can’t be sourced with the camera alone. In many cases, a plumber may need to use other tools and methods in addition to the camera to locate and diagnose the leaks. Some secondary methods and tests may include pressure testing, acoustic leak detection, or leak location testing.

Advantages of Using a Plumbers Camera

• No mess to clean up
• Learn about your pipes
• Evidence for insurance
• During a home or business inspection, if trying to determine a purchase
• No major destruction of property when trying to identify a problem.

Take Control of Your Plumbing System With The Power of a Plumbers Camera!

With any plumbing concerns, time is of the essence, and any delay can get very costly. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that a plumbing system is functioning optimally. But what happens when you suspect there may be a blockage in your pipes or drain, but you can’t locate it yourself? This is where a plumbers camera will be able to complete the job.

They are state-of-the-art tools that can help you identify blockages and other plumbing issues quickly and accurately. With these cameras, plumbers can inspect pipes and drain systems in real-time, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of the problem and develop effective solutions.

If you want to save money and time and avoid the inconvenience of plumbing issues, it is time to call one of our professional plumbers, who are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to use the plumbers camera.

At Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning company, we are committed to providing customers with top-quality plumbing services. We offer video camera inspections for drain inspections, sewer line inspections, and other plumbing repair needs or issues. Contact us today at 1-877-554-9776 to schedule an appointment with our expert plumbing technicians and avoid a plumbing nightmare.

Read More

8 Signs You May Have A Main Sewer Line Clog in Ontario

Posted by Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning on December 14/2022 | 0Comments

Your main sewer line is probably one of the most neglected plumbing fixtures at home because you don’t see it. Each time you flush the toilet or do the dishes, all that dirty water obviously goes somewhere, but where exactly? You may not ask yourself this question until you experience a sewer line blockage that manifests itself in the form of clogged drains. But there is a lot more to drain clogs than you can imagine, and only a licensed plumber could help treat and prevent a main sewer line clog in Ontario.

Our expert team of Ontario plumbers has treated numerous clogged sewer lines, from professional inspections to drain pipe cleaning and plumbing repairs. Trust your local professionals at Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning to recover your plumbing system’s original functions! Call for an efficient plumbing inspection today at 877-554-9776 and speak with one of our friendly customer service staff!

What Does The Main Sewer Line Do?

Your home’s sewer line, often referred to as the main line, main drain, or private sewer lateral is the main responsible pipe that collects all your household wastewater and directs it away from your property. It’s located underground outside your home. If you have a lower level, you may see all your household drains connecting to a part of your sewer pipe, which is typically four inches in diameter. The rest of it is buried underground and connects to the municipal sewer in the streets. As a property owner, you are responsible for your own sewer lateral up until it meets the city lines.

What Causes Clogged Sewer Lines?

In Ontario, a lot can affect your plumbing system’s functions besides bad household habits and a high level of water hardness. Certain things to watch out for, include:

• Tree root intrusion: If you live nearby trees, you could fall victim to tree roots invading your pipe. Perhaps there was already a small sewer pipe damage evident that included a water leak. In that case, the roots will eagerly grow towards it and even break into your main line, causing a clog.

• Shifting soil: Unfortunately, Southwest Ontario is not known to have the best soil conditions. If you have a slowly permeable soil that requires routine replenishing if you want your plants and crops to thrive. Besides causing foundation issues, soil shifting can also wreak havoc on your sewer system, creating damage and major clogs.

• Heavy rain: Heavy rainfall or even torrential rain is not uncommon in the high summer or early fall. While the city is busy inspecting and optimizing the public sewer system regularly, sewer backups can still occur when the storm sewers get overwhelmed and clog up. That’s when all the waste gets pushed back to your property. Unless you have a backwater valve installation, you could experience raw sewage overflowing your home.

8 Warning Signs You Have A Main Sewer Line Clog

Tell-tale signs of a main sewer line clog are often insidious, which means that it could start with a small scenario, such as a clogged sink or a toilet clog. But the matter lies in its severity and frequency. Some common warning signs you have a main sewer line clog in Ontario are:

Slow Drains

If your bath water takes a long time to drain, you will know that a partial blockage is causing this issue. Over time, it will develop into a more serious problem and add stress to your sewer line pipe. This includes slow-draining water in your kitchen sink and shower drains.

Pesky Drain Flies

Have you ever looked into your sink drain opening and noticed sludge buildup around your pipe walls? That sludge consists of saliva, toothpaste, mineral deposits and food waste. While it may be easy to clear with an old toothbrush, there is an even more serious buildup further down the drain that contains a lot more organic matter and standing water. That’s a sign of poor sewage drainage. Standing water is a top breeding ground for bacteria and, thus, sink flies. You will need drain cleaning and inspection, as well as pest control services.

Sewer Gas Smells/Foul Odors

Smelling hydrogen sulfide and ammonia? Bad smells may signal a minor issue in your p-trap, which is the p-shaped curvy pipe under your sink or toilet. They are designed to trap unpleasant odors, so they don’t rise to the surface. Either you have a clogged p-trap or the smells are coming from a main sewer line clog.

Gurgling Toilets

It may not strike you as weird when your toilet gurgles at first because each toilet type seems to have a different flushing sound, but actual gurgles indicate a nearby blockage. There is a chance you can break through that clog with a plunger or toilet auger, but if the problem lies deeper down the line, it could be a main sewer line clog that needs the attention of your local plumbers in Ontario.

Recurring Clogs

You may be proud of unblocking your toilet and sink the first time, but if those clogs return and become more stubborn or cause multiple clogged drains, you will know you have a clogged sewer line.

Backed-Up Floor Drain

This is easily confused with a clogged sewer line, but your floor drain is actually a part of your household waste line that happens to be closest to your main sewer line. Clogs are common and can be solved with a plunger or an auger. But we still recommend regular inspections to ensure that it’s free from debris and other types of blockages. In the event of a main sewer line clog, that is where the overflow would most likely occur unless you have a backwater valve installed.

Leaky Sewer Line Cleanout

Also known as the sewer trap, your cleanout is situated either outside your home or inside in the lowest area. It’s designed to allow plumbing technicians to easily access and treat your main sewer line clog. If it appears to be leaking, our Ontario plumber recommends unscrewing the cap to release some pressure.

Soggy Patches on Lawn

This is a more serious issue indicating that you have an underground pipe leak which could be caused by a main sewer line clog, either household-related or tree root growth. A licensed plumber will need to further investigate this with a video camera inspection.

How Does Hy-Pro Treat A Main Sewer Line Clog?

Hydro Jetting

Our HydroScrub® Jetting technology is a high-pressure water jet unit, designed to cut through clogs and the interior walls of plumbing pipes. It’s known as a non-invasive plumbing solution for effective cleaning. Drain cleaning is one of our most popular routine maintenance services, during which our certified plumbers break through tough clogs using high-pressure water jets. In this case, the cable will be lowered down the cleanout pipe to access the main sewer. The nozzle can blast through the clogged sewer line using a psi level of 3000 and also use rotating jets to properly clear the pipe walls.

How To Prevent Future Main Sewer Line Clogs in Ontario?

Preventive measures start with making changes to your household habits. When looking back, you may feel guilty about washing oils and fats down your kitchen sink or flushing wet wipes and hair down your toilet. Without a trusted Ontario plumber to learn from, you may not know which habits are bad.

Do Not Flush Garbage Down Your Toilet, Including:

• Hair
• Wet baby wipes (even when it says flushable)
• Paper towels
• Cigarette butts
• Feminine hygiene products
• Q-Tips
• Dental floss

Important: The above-mentioned items are the main culprits behind a clogged sewer line. The problem is that they don’t break down like solid waste (human waste) or dissolve like toilet paper; thus, it’s much easier for those items to cause major blockages in the drain lines and main line.

Do Not Wash Food Waste Down Your Sink, Including:

• Fats, oils, grease
• Food leftover
• Solid food waste, including pieces of bones or expansive foods like rice, quinoa, or oats

Important: It’s too easy to cook bacon and dispose of the hot fat in your sink, but this could lead to fatal consequences. The smoke point of fat is around 200 °C, but your PVC drain pipe can only handle up to 60 °F and a PEX pipe 90 °F. If the temperature goes beyond what they can handle, you could experience immediate system failure.

Hire Annual Drain Cleaning Services And Inspections

Nothing will restore your peace of mind more than having a professional plumber in Ontario routinely inspect your drain lines and give them a rinse. This way, small blockages will be dealt with quickly before they turn into nasty future clogs. The perks you get with Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is that we always go the extra mile to ensure your pipework is in working order and will remain this way for years to come. Our professional plumbers always provide an in-depth routine maintenance service that includes a professional video inspection. Also, periodic sewer line cleaning is advised if you experience frequent clogs or have an older plumbing system.

Got A Main Sewer Line Clog in Ontario? Call Hy-Pro Today!

Are you ready for your plumbing diagnosis and inspection? Regular inspections and protective plumbing devices are your best options for maintaining healthy pipes. Call 877-554-9776 today to book your in-home appointment!

Hy-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning proudly serves our local communities in Southwestern Ontario and surrounding areas, including Hamilton, Oakville and Kitchener-Waterloo.

Read More