Vancouver Drainage

Don’t Let Your Drainage Drain Your Bank Account

Plugged pipes or faulty drainage can cause expensive damage to your home. Here are 6 simple tips to help you maintain your home’s drainage system and prevent costly repairs.

If you need immediate assistance with any drain problem contact A1 Drainage, Plumbing & Heating anytime, from anywhere in Metro Vancouver. As one of the most referred companies for Vancouver drainage repair, A-1 provides prompt, reliable service to unclog any drain and reduce the risk of expensive drainage problems in the future.

1. Use strainers in every sink, shower and bathtub. A simple strainer will prevent hair and other objects from clogging your drains. They are an inexpensive, easy to install item that is well worth the investment. You will find them in the plumbing section of most hardware and home improvement stores. Or contact A-1 and we will install them for you and at the same time inspect your drainage, remove potential clogs and let you know about any potential drainage and plumbing problems.
2. Get rid of those roots. Tree roots have the capability of invading your drainage system and causing extensive damage. You may love that large tree next to your home but underground it’s slowly, inevitably choking your drainage. Don’t plant trees and large shrubs next to your house, and if you already have them, consider removing them or cutting the roots back. You should also keep trees away from your water and sewer lines so that roots don’t cause upheaval or rupture. A-1 can inspect your property for potential damage from roots and make any necessary repairs.
3. Insulate your pipes. Even in mild Metro Vancouver frozen pipes cause damage to many homes. Check the insulation around your plumbing on a regular basis and, if you have an older home, upgrading it will add value when you resell it. You may also want to keep your furnace set to at least 55 degrees if you take an extended winter vacation (and open the cupboards under your sinks so warmer air can get to your pipes).
4. Drain your water heater once a year. This flushes out the sediment that builds up on the bottom of your heater that can corrode through the bottom and leave you with an expensive repair. This is particularly important after a season of heavy rain in Vancouver when you observe above average sediment is in the tap water over several days.
5. Watch what goes down the garburator. Let everyone in your house know what can and can’t be put down your garbage disposal system. Bones are an obvious no-no, but some of the more common cloggers are grease, chicken skin, coffee grounds, rice, and thick skins of fruits and veggies. It’s better for your pipes (and our environment) if you can compost these items. And remember that whatever you put down your garburator needs to be thoroughly ground and carried away with water so that no residue is left to harden or expand.
6. Get to know your main water shut off valve. It is your good friend in times of plumbing emergencies. It is almost always located where the water enters your house. Call the A-1 Team if you need help locating it or making it more accessible. Let everyone else in your house know where it’s located and how to turn it off (you may want to teach them about “lefty loosey, righty tighty” so they remember which direction to turn the valve). Quickly turning off your main water could save you a bundle.

Please contact A-1 if you have other tips on Vancouver drainage repair and maintenance to pass along.